guns, to march from Fairmont directly to Grafton, to be there by morning - sooner, if possible. Look out, and telegraph me often the condition of things.

B. S. ROBERTS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

UNITED STATES FORD, May 3, 1863.

(Received 8.45 a.m.)

General BUTTERFIELD,

Headquarters, Camp Falmouth:

A most terribly bloody conflict has raged since daylight. Enemy in great force in our front and on the right, but at this moment we are repulsing him on all sides. Carnage is fearful. General Hooker is safe so far. Berry is killed. I return to the front, but will keep you advised when in my power. Our trains are all safe, we shall be victorious. Our cavalry has not come up.

RUFUS INGALLS,

Chief Quartermaster.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-8.50 a.m.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
President of the United States:

Though not directed or specially authorized to do so by General Hooker, I think it not improper that I should advise you that a battle is in progress.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-12.45 p.m.

General BUTTERFIELD:

I think we have had the most terrible battle ever witnessed on earth. I think our victory will be certain, but the general told me he would say nothing just yet to Washington, except that he is doing well. In an hour or two the matter will be a fixed fact. I believe the enemy is in flight now, but we are not sure.

RUFUS INGALLS,
Chief Quartermaster.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-1.15 p.m.

General HOOKER:

DEAR GENERAL: I deeply regret to hear that you are even slightly wounded. I have put every officer and man here in use during the operations, even to the Twentieth Maine. As I cannot now by any possibility be able to join you if permitted, can I join General Sedgwick? The enemy will undoubtedly make a desperate effort, as his custom is, toward dusk, if he lasts that long. Our troops are still advancing, cheering lustily. A portion of Sedgwick's force is moving to the right,