now tell where he is. Send scouts to swim the river and report to you. Act according to orders from General Hooker. Keep him advised of Sedgwick's advance, with time. I do not understand last portion of your dispatch. No artillery here except Tyler's 4 1/2-inch guns. Better lose a few men as scouts than not have new and report of our advance on Chancellorsville Plank road.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD.

MAY 3, 1863-.3.10 p.m.

General HUNT:

Do I understand you wish one-fourth of the ammunition mentioned sent to Banks' Ford? Answer. It would not do, I think, to send it over the river.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.

MAY 3, 1863-4.10 p.m.

General BUTTERFIELD:

You understand it aright. General Hooker ordered one-fourth the ammunition for 3-inch, 10-pounder Parrott, and Napoleon guns to be sent here. We have pickets on the opposite hill, toward Fredericksburg. Have taken a few prisoners, 15 or 20. An artillery combat has just taken place opposite the point of this promontory; the enemy apparently driven back and being pursued. Above us the enemy's mounted pickets still on the river.

HENRY J. HUNT.

BANKS' FORD, VA., May 3, 1863-2.30 p.m.

Captain FLAGLER, United States Ford:

Train of the First Corps, about which you asked, is about 2 1/2 miles this side of Hartwood Church.

HENRY J. HUNT.

1 A. M.

Telegraph Operator:

I have just sent a telegram to you which I fear was not directed; it was for General Butterfield.

[HENRY J. HUNT.]

HEADQUARTERS, May 3, 1863-2.30 p.m.

General BENHAM,
Banks' Ford (or care of General Butterfield):

The commanding general desires that another bridge be thrown at United States Ford. Canvas pontoons might be used, at least as far as they would go.

C. B. COMSTOCK,

Captain of Engineers.