CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA., May 2, 1863-9.30 a.m.

Major-General BUTTERFIELD:

The general commanding desires you to instruct General Sedgwick, if an opportunity presents itself with a reasonable expectation of success, to attack the enemy in his front. We have reliable information that all the divisions known to us as having belonged to the army at Fredericksburg, except Ewell's, are in the vicinity. It is impossible for the general to determine here whether it is expedient for him to attack or not. It must be left to his discretion.

J. H. VAN ALEN,

Brigadier-General and Aide-de-Camp.

MAY 2, 1863-9.45 a.m.

General SEDGWICK,

Commanding Left Wing:

General Hooker telegraphs that you are all right. You have but Ewell's division in your front; balance all up there.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General,&c.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, May 2, 1863-9.53 a.m.

General SEDGWICK:

My troops are all across the river, except the skirmishers now coming.

JOHN F. REYNOLDS,
[Major-General, Commanding.]

CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA., May 2, 1863-10 a.m.

General D. BUTTERFIELD,

Chief of Staff:

No fighting to-day so far. Enemy is making movements in force on our right and left, but for what object we know not yet It is expected he will attack to-day. Our lines are strong for defense. Where is buford? I will advise you when anything important occurs. We must fight soon, of course. Look out for your side when we open.

RUFUS INGALLS,

Chief Quartermaster.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, May 1, 1863-11.40 a.m.

Major-General BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff:

The column spoken of by you in your dispatch to Lieutenant Fortescue, and reported as moving around the hill toward our right, is now reported to have gone into bivouac on my front.*

JOHN SEDGWICK,

Major-General.

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*See Butterfield to Hooker and Sedgewick, 12.35 p.m., p.354.

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