“Confidential”

June 13th 1863

Major Genl. Reynolds

General!

I enclose herewith copies of the dispatches forwarded you yesterday and today, to cover any errors that may have occurred in their transmission by telegraph. With these will reach you also Major Sterling, Capt. Dahlgren and Lieut. Bates of the General Staff; the two former are thoroughly familiar with the country through the valley and the movements of Lee’s, Fremont’s, and Sigel’s troops last year.

You will appreciate from the last dispatch enclosed, the reasons which cause the present position of this army. You will also realize the important duties entrusted to you. Capt. McEntee, representative of Col. Sharpe’s Dept., is in the vicinity of Bealton or Warrenton; Genl. Pleasonton will tell you where. Information is the thing most desirable, that you may act advisedly. Genl. Meade, Genl. Birney, and Genl. Pleasonton will be directed to communicate all information received by them to you, as well as here.

Should the movement of the enemy develop itself to be towards Maryland, on the Upper Potomac above Harpers Ferry, it will probably involve our marching on the inner circle and attack them if opportunity offers. It is desired particularly to guard against their getting in advance of us, if their movement is that way and coming in through Manassas Gap and getting in a measure between this Army and Washington. It may be that they have only intended a cavalry raid and moved their infantry in the vicinity of Culpepper to support it. It may be also that they intended their Cavalry raid should cover the movement of the bulk of their infantry around our right. In view of the lack of information concerning their movements, the position is a delicate one, requiring energy and vigilance. A P Hill’s Corps still remains here. The reports of two contrabands make Ewell’s and part of Longstreet’s Corps at Culpepper and passing through Culpepper. The enemy must on no account be permitted to get on the line of retreat of your wing, by Manassas to Alexandria, or a position in front of Washington. This may not be intended, but it is one of the events in the relative position of the right and left of this Army and of the enemy, that is to be guarded against.

A signal party is ordered to report to you. It is found that telegraphic communication often fails at the time when most needed. It is necessary to bear this in mind; to be prepared for such an emergency. Should the movement of the enemy prove to be towards our right, in the Shenandoah Valley, the General will move up with the forces here as soon as it is definitely ascertained.

I am, very respectfully,

your obedient servant,

Daniel Butterfield

N.B. Since writing above, the General directs me to say that he shall probably withdraw from this line tonight, to the Orange and Alexandria Railroad.

D.B.

June 13, 1863

(Confidential)

Genl. Butterfield