HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 4, 1862.

General E. D. KEYES, Lee's Mill:

The commanding general directs that you move with the part of your corps remaining to Williamsburg to-morrow by the most direct road. Please give directions to have all the wagons and baggage and supplies go forward with the troops, as well as the wagons of the division that went forward to-day.

Please answer.

R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 4, 1862.

General SUMNER or General SMITH:

Push on after the enemy in front of Smith. General Hooker is en route for Half-way House and will be in position to cut off their retreat.

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

SMITH'S HEADQUARTERS, May 4, 1862.

General McCLELLAN:

The enemy is reported to be in strong force in front of me. I am going to engage him unless I get other orders.

I would suggest that the forces at Lee's Mill and on our right be ordered to advance to add support.

WM. F. SMITH,

Brigadier-General.

MAY 4, 1862.

General WILLIAM F. SMITH:

How far in front of you and about how strong is the enemy? Do not engage him until ordered by me, as I am making other arrangements to cut him off.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

MAY 4, 1862.

Com. SMITH, Commanding Fleet:

I learn that a large part of the rebel force marched to Bigler's Mill, on the York River, last night, to take sail from there to West Point. It is of the first important to my operations that some of your gunboats hurry up to West Point to destroy the transportation and report to me the state of affairs.

Franklin's division will be ready to go up under convoy of the other gunboats as soon as I can hear from the river.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General, Commanding.