some engineers. Two bridges ready to be thrown across whenever the ford is uncovered. Stoneman's cavalry is supposed to be in the enemy's rear, on the line of his railroad. Sedgwick has one division of the enemy in front of him, and the balance are in front of General Hooker. Please report to me what appearances are in your front along the river at Fredericksburg and your vicinity.

Very respectfully,

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.

MAY 2, 1863-1. p.m.

General BUTTERFIELD:

Wrote you fully this morning. No increase of force. The hills behind Fredericksburg, that is, on Sedgwick's right, have some considerable force on them, but I do not know whether Fredericksburg is occupied in force or not.

JOHN GIBBON,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, May 2, 1863-3 p.m.

General BUTTERFIELD:

Reports from my picket line on the right state that the rebels are withdrawing their pickets all along the river above the dam.

JOHN GIBBON,
Brigadier-General.

F SIGNAL STATION, Near Phillips' House, May 2, 1863-5 p.m.

General GIBBON:

The enemy are evacuating their position in front of General Sedgwick. Many men, much artillery, and numerous army wagons seen moving to our right and their rear.

JAS. S. HALL,

Captain and Signal Officer.

F SIGNAL STATION, May 2, 1863-5.30 p.m.

General GIBBON:

Twelve regiments infantry, sixty-eight wagons and ambulances, and one squadron cavalry have just passed along the crest of wooded ridge in front of General Sedgwick, moving toward Richmond Telegraph road.

P. A. TAYLOR,

First Lieutenant and Signal Officer.

NEAR FALMOUTH VA., May 2, 1863-5.30 p.m.

General HUNT, Banks' Ford:

The enemy is falling back from Sedgwick's front. Their pickets still remain in front of this place.

JOHN GIBBON,

Brigadier-General.