BALLOON IN THE AIR,

May 1, 1863-11 a. m.

Major-General SEDGWICK,

Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: I can see no earthworks on the Bowling Green road.

Should judge that the guns had been taken from the earthworks to the right of Fredericksburg.

Another train of wagons is moving to the right, on a road about 1 mile from beyond the heights opposite Franklin's crossing.

The enemy's barracks, opposite Banks' Ford, are entirely deserted.

The largest column of the enemy is moving on the road toward Chancellorsville. The enemy on the opposite heights, I judge, considerably diminished.

Can see no change under the heights and in the rifle-pits.

I can see no diminution in the enemy's tents.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. S. C. LOWE,

Aeronaut.

CHANCELLORSVILLE,

May 1, 1863-11.30 a. m.

General BUTTERFIELD:

Direct Major-General Sedgwick to threaten an attack in full force at 1 o'clock and to continue in that attitude until further orders. Let the demonstration be as severe as can be, but not an attack.

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General, Commanding.

(Telegraphed to General Sedgwick, 5.05 p. m.)

MAY 1, 1863-4.55 p. m.; sent 5.20 p. m.

Major-General HOOKER:

Dispatch ordering demonstration at 1 o'clock just received, 4.55 p. m.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD.

HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING,
May 1, 1863-12 m.

Major-General BUTTERFIELD,

Chief of Staff:

General Reynolds says:

Telegraph General Butterfield that I think General Hooker will be met by the enemy crossing or covering the Telegraph road in some position beyond Owen's and Taylor's houses.

JOHN SEDGWICK,

Major-General, Commanding.

BALLOON EAGLE, BANKS' FORD,

May 1, 1863-12.25 p. m.

General SEDGWICK:

Thee is a force of the enemy under arms in a clear field back of a thin wood opposite Banks' Ford. I judge them to be about 5,000.