Field letters from Headquarters Second corps A. N. V.
5:30 P. M., Headquarters Front Royal, July 23, 1863.
General,--The enemy is in heavy force.
Rodes is in position.
They are advancing through Manassas Gap, along the railroad, to get at the pontoon bridges.
By what time can you be up?
If you can't cross tonight the bridge will be taken up and sent back by way of Cedarville to Strasburg, to go with you, and be put down above where you cross the river.Send me word by courier — to ride rapidly — by what hour you will be here or whether you go by Strasburg.
I am, General, yours, &c.,
(Signed)
I will send another courier in an hour.
Headquarters Second army corps, August 1, 1863.
General,--Lieutenant-General Ewell directs me to send the following extract from a letter just received from General Lee, and to request that you examine the ground referred to and report as soon as possible: “The engineers report a good line for us to take about one and a half miles from Orange Courthouse, in the direction of the Rapidan, on the hills ranging between the headwaters of the streams flowing into the Pamunky river and of the streams flowing into the Rapidan.
He (General Lee) thinks if the enemy advances this way it may be better to draw them back to this position.
When you arrive at Orange Courthouse please send out some of your officers (Rodes or Early) to examine this line.
He will either take it or that near Cedar Mountain.”I am, General, your obedient servant,
(Signed)
