October 16th. The enemy not showing up, a brigade of cavalry was sent across the run to investigate, and did not return until late at night. We remained in the same position all day. I suffered agonies from the eczema, which troubled me on account of the dampness and exposure, and the surgeon of the division directed me to apply for a sick leave, which I did the following day, October 17th, and for the first time in the history of the division I shall not participate in its movements; but I made arrangements with one of my clerks to continue the daily noting of events, so that I can preserve the continuity of the campaign. The following order was issued on the sixteenth:
Headquarters, Army of the Potomac.
October 15, 1863.
General Order No. 96: The Major-General commanding announces to the army that the rear guard, consisting of the Second corps, were attacked yesterday while marching by the flank. The enemy after a spirited contest, was repulsed, losing a battery of five guns, two colors, and four hundred and fifty prisoners. The skill and promptitude of Major General Warren and the gallantry and bearing of the officers and soldiers of the Second corps are entitled to high commendation.
By Command of Major-general Meade.
S. Williams, A. A. General.
