CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA.,

April 12, 1863.

Commanding Officer of Regiment at the United States and Banks' Fords, (through Commanding Officer Fifth Corps):

I am instructed by the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac to directed you proceed with your regiment, by the most directed routes, to Banks' and the United States Fords, where you will take post until further orders. You will march at 8 o'clock to-morrow, provided with five days' rations. On reaching the fords, you will be careful to post men so as to prevent the crossing of the enemy, and at the same time keep as many of your men from being exposed to their view as practicable. You will permit no communication across the river, and will arrest and return to camp all parties attempting it.

Your will communicate with the headquarters of your corps as often as necessary.

At the same hour named for your regiment, another force will march to take post higher up the river, at Kelly's Ford.

Very respectfully, &c.,

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA.,

April 12, 1863.

Commanding Officer of Brigade of Eleventh Corps, under orders to proceed to Kelly's Fort (through Commanding Officer Eleventh Corps):

I am instructed by the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac to directed you to proceed with your brigade and one battery to Kelly's Fort, and there take post until further orders. You will march at 8 o'clock to-morrow morning over the most directed route, provided with supplies for four days. You will march as light as possible for service, and on reaching Kelly's Ford will take such a position as will prevent the enemy from crossing in case they should attempt it, and at the same time keep your command hidden from his view as much as practicable. The general desires that you will take special pains to prevent any communication across the river on the part of the citizens for as great a distance above and below the ford as you may deem it practicable.

There will be a cavalry force to leave here to-morrow for a point higher up the river, and when their wagons return it is directed that you will protect them.

You will communicate with your corps headquarters as often as necessary.

Very respectfully, &c.,

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA.,

April 13, 1863.

Commanding Officer, Engineer Brigade:

I am directed by the major-general commanding to reply to your letter of the 11th instant, respecting the equipment of the pontoon trains, as follows:

It is the opinion of the major-general commanding that the wants of