HEADQUARTERS THIRD ARMY CORPS,
April 30, 1863-1.15 p. m.

Brigadier General A. W. WHIPPLE,

Third Division:

The troops will move immediately upon United States Ford by way of Boscobel, keeping concealed from the enemy as far as possible. Two ambulances will go with each division. Eight days' rations in knapsacks and haversacks. No incumbrance with officers' baggage allowed. Trains will cross this side of United States Ford. Ammunition trains to be packed, ready to follow their respective divisions. Chief of artillery to pick up his batteries (detailed) as he moves on. Two days' forage to be carried.

By command of Major-General Sickles:

O. H. HART,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

APRIL 30, 1863.

Major-General HEINTZELMAN,

Commanding, &c., Washington, D. C.:

If General Stahel can extend his patrols to the vicinity of Rappahannock Station, it will greatly facilitate operations here. Our cavalry force are all across the Rappahannock with infantry, and there is no probability of anything very serious from the enemy interfering with the performance of this duty int his direction. If your operations and duties will permit it, the general would like to be advised that it can and will be done for two or three days.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.

FORT MONROE, VA.,

April 30, 1863.

Major General JOSEPH HOOKER,

Commanding Army of the Potomac:

We are invested at Suffolk by a superior force, but are getting stronger every day. I returned from there last evening. If the enemy attacks, he will fare badly. A successful movement on your part, for which we are all most anxious, will be of great service to us by preventing Longstreet from being further re-enforced, and may compel him to withdraw.

JOHN A. DIX,

Major-General.

APRIL 30, 1863-12.30 p. m.

Major-General DIX,

Fort Monroe:

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.