onstration in full force on Wednesday morning upon the enemy's defences, with a view of securing the Telegraph road. In event of the enemy detaching any considerable part of his forces against the troops operating at the west of Fredericksburg, he will attack and carry their works at all hazards, and establish his force on the Telegraph road, cutting off communication by the enemy in order to prevent their turning his position on that road. In case the enemy should fall back on Richmond he will pursue them with vigor, fighting them whenever and wherever he can come up with them. The General will give such other instructions as may seem to him necessary to carry out the plans and wishes of the Major-General commanding. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, Morrisville, Va., April 28, 1863. Major-General Slocum, Commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Corps: I am directed by the Major-General commanding to inform you that so long as the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps are operating on the same line, you will exercise the command of both. The General directs that the Eleventh Corps cross to the opposite side of the river to-night, and that the Twelfth Corps commence crossing at daylight to-morrow morning, and to be thrown over with all possible rapidity, and both corps march by the most direct route without delay, and seize the bridge, if standing, and the ford at Germanna Mills. Major-General Meade (Fifth Corps) will move on almost a parallel line at the same time, and will be in easy communication with you. He will cross at Ely's Ford. When the Fifth Corps is across, push on with both of your corps to Chancellorsville, at which point the three corps will come together, and which you will command by virtue of your seniority. The enemy have a brigade holding the United States Ford, which they will abandon as soon as they hear of your approach; this will open the United States Ford to us, when bridges will at once be thrown across the river. If your cavalry is well advanced from Chancellorsville, you will be able to ascertain whether or not the enemy is detaching forces from behind Fredericksburg to resist your advance. If not in any considerable force, the General desires that you will endeavor to advance at all hazards, securing a position on the Plank road and uncovering Banks' Ford, which is also defended by a brigade of the rebel infantry and a battery. If the enemy should be greatly reinforced you will then select a strong position, and compel him to attack you on your own ground. You will have nearly forty thousand men, which is more than he can spare to send against you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide-de-Camp. Balloon in the Air, April 29, 1863. Major-General Butterfield, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac. GENERAL: The enemy's line of battle is formed in the edge of the woods, at the foot of the heights, from opposite Fredericksburg to some distance to the left of our lower crossing. Their line appears quite thin, compared with our force. Their tents all remain as heretofore, as far as I can see. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronauts. Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 30, 1863-12.30 P. M. Commanding Officer, Third Corps: Upon receipt of this order you will proceed with your corps, without delay, by the shortest road, concealed from view of the enemy, to the United States Ford. The greatest promptness in executing this movement and arriving at your destination is expected of you. After crossing you will take up your line of march toward Chancellorsville. DAN'L BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. Fort Monroe, Va., April 30, 1863. Major-General Hooker, Commanding Army of the Potomac : We are invested at Suffolk by a superior force. A successful movement on your part will be of great service to us by preventing Longstreet from being further reinforced, and may compel him to withdraw. JOHN A. DIX, April 30, 1863-12.30 P. M. Major-General John A. Dix, Fort Monroe, Va.: The enemy has need of every man here. He has his hands full. Rely on this. I can say no more. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General Commanding. Chancellorsville, Va., May 1, 1863-8.45 P. M. Major-General Butterfield, (Headquarters Camp near Falmouth, Va.): Telegraph all the information you have concerning the reinforcement of the enemy from Richmond, to Washington, as it may have an important bearing on movements elsewhere. Say that all the enemy's cavalry are in my immediate presence, which, I trust, will enable Stoneman to do a landoffice business in the interior. I think the enemy in his desperation will be compelled to attack me on my own ground. I am all right. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General Commanding. Balloon in the Air, May 1, 1863-12.30 P. M. Major-General Sedgwick, Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac. GENERAL: In a west-northwest direction, about twelve miles, an engagement is going on. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronauts, Army of the Potomac. Balloon in the Air, May 1, 1863-2.15 P. M. Major-General Sedgwick, Commanding Left Wing. GENERAL: The enemy opposite here remain the same as last reported. Immense volumes of smoke are rising where the battle is going on opposite United States Ford. A large force must be engaged on both sides. Very respectfully, etc., T. S. C. LoWE, Chief of Aeronauts, Army of the Potomac. |