Stoneman has not been heard from. This is the situation at this hour from latest reports, 4.30 P. M. DAN'L BUTTERFIELD, Headquarters Army of the Potomac, His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States: We have had a desperate fight yesterday and to-day, which has resulted in no success to us, having lost a position of two lines, which had been selected for our defence. It is now 1.30 o'clock (P. M.), and there is still some firing of artillery. If Sedgwick could have gotten up, there could have been but one result. I cannot tell when it will end. We will endeavor to do our best. My troops are in good spirits. We have fought desperately to-day. No general ever commanded a more devoted army. JOSEPH HOOKER, May 3, 1863-2.35 a. M. Major-General Sedgwick: An aide just arrived from General Hooker. Everything in the world depends upon the rapidity and promptness of your movement. Push everything. DAN'L BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, General Hooker: Sedgwick at this moment commences his assault. He is on our old ground of December 13. The force in his front is small but active. Will post you speedily as to result. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. General Hooker: May 3, 1863-10.50 A. M. Am signaled that Sedgwick has carried Marye's Heights and, officer thinks, captured the guns. BUTTERFIELD. May 3, 1863-11.10 A. M. General Hooker: First range of hills ours. Batteries and prisoners taken. Enemy retreating. BUTTERFIELD. General Hooker: May 3, 1863-12.32 P. M. To the left and rear of Howison house the enemy have taken a position on Telegraph road, and are holding our forces in check. They are hotly contesting the ground at this point. BUTTERFIELD. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, Major-General Hooker: General Sedgwick was attacking the enemy on a ridge at Salem Church, six and one-half miles from Chancellorsville, the enemy making a stand at that point. Infantry fire heavier than hitherto, and our men fall back a little in the center. Heavy infantry fire reported. Time 6.05 to 6.15 o'clock. BUTTERFIELD. May 4, 1863-12 M. Col. Ambrose Thompson, Quartermaster, Aquia, Va.: Keep as much of the public property afloat as you can until further orders. Be prepared to act on your own judgment at short notice. See that your depot is constantly prepared. RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. United States Ford, W. Va., May 4, 1863. Col. D. W. Rucker, Quartermaster's Department: Ship no more horses or other stores until further notice. Please advise Captains Stoddard and Ferguson. My reasons are good. RUFUS INGALLS, Headquarters Army of the Potomac, May 4, 1863-12 M. Capt. William H. Rankins, At Old Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Do not come up here yourself. Perhaps no one had better come just yet. Keep quiet; do not make any excitement. We are in great trouble, but we shall fight out. Do not communicate with Washington on the subject. RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. Headquarters Sixth Corps, Major-General Hooker: I am occupying the same position as last night. I have secured my communications with Banks' Ford. The enemy are in possession of the heights of Fredericksburg in force. They appear strongly in our front, and are making efforts to drive us back. I do not know my losses, but they were large, probably 5,000 men. It depends upon the condition and position of your force whether I can sustain myself here. JOHN SEDGWICK. Washington, D. C., May 4, 1863-3.10 P. M. Major-General Hooker: We have news here that the enemy has reoccupied heights above Fredericksburg. Is that so? A. LINCOLN. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, His Excellency the President: I am informed that it is so, but attach no importance to it. JOSEPH HOOKER, May 5, 1863-12.30 A. M. Major-General Butterfield, Chief of Staff: Communication with General Sedgwick is at present full and open by two bridges. . His main body is, however, below the crest of the hill, opposite the ford, under full fire of artillery. I consider his command in great danger. R. O. TYLER, Headquarters, May 5, 1863-1 a. M. General Sedgwick: Withdraw. Cover the river, and prevent any force crossing. Acknowledge this. By command of General Hooker: DAN'L BUTTERFIELD. In the Field, May 5, 1863-11 A. M. His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States: General Hooker is not at this moment able, from pressing duties, to write of the condition of affairs. He deems it his duty that you should be advised. The cavalry, as yet |