HEADQUARTERS, SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, Camp at Benson's Mills, June 6, 1863-10 p.m.

General MEADE,

Commanding Fifth Corps:

General: I have received the dispatch from General Butterfield asking for information of the enemy, and also asking it the enemy could not be felt, &c. I am opposed to any movement across the river with the forces I have at Banks' and United States Fords. At the former, the crossing is exceedingly difficult, and the ravines and woods on the south bank are of such a nature that force such as I could send, once on the order side, could not get back if the enemy chose to prevent it. At United States Ford, although I am of the opinion, from what I saw yesterday, that cavalry are the only troops on picket, yet I cannot answer that the old camps between that ford and Chancellorsville are not now occupied. They are so remote from the stream that it is difficult to decide that point. I beg to say that the development by the enemy to meet such demonstrations as I would have it in my power to make, would not determine a great deal about his strength. To place the Rappahannock behind a small force would be extremely hazardous, and the inexpediency of it is so apparent to me that I will not direct it unless more positive instructions are received from higher authority. I will send directions to the commanders at the fords to ascertain by brief conversation with the enemy's pickets if any information can be gained from them. But I must say, that it is hardly to be expected that anything reliable would be gained, even supposing it could be obtained from such sources.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

GEO. SYKES,

Major-General, Commanding.

JUNE 6, 1863-11. 55 p. m.

Commanding Officer Fifth Corps:

Your dispatch received. I am instructed by the commanding general to say that you are not to disregard the order to feel the enemy a little. The order to be ready to march may be considered simply as a notification that a movement of your corps is in contemplation. By command of Major-General Hooker:

S. WILLIAMS

Assistant Adjutant-General.