[BANKS' FORD,], May 3, 1863-8.30 a.m.

General HOOKER:

The enemy's pickets again withdrawing from the rifle-pits; but few remain. Some artillery, a few guns posted by him last night on the crest opposite, just withdrawing. General Taylor is here. Will ammunition from the general artillery in train be required? Captain F. Taylor is with you and known where it can be gotten.

HENRY J. HUNT.

(Repeated to General Butterfield.)

FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-8.30 a.m.

General HOOKER:

Our skirmishers just occupied rebel rifle-pits on Hazel Run. Gibbon moving to right, with prospect of flanking the enemy. Enemy resist desperately.

BUTTERFIELD.

FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-8.42 a.m.

General SEDGWICK:

From statement of E. Buckley, of [J. P. W.] Read's (afterward Fraser's) battery, McLaw's division, a deserter, last night, the enemy formed column yesterday to frighten us. No great force there. Jackson's corps went above on Plank road. If an attempt had been made last night, we could have carried the heights.

BUTTERFIELD.

FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-8.45 a.m.

General HOOKER:

Sedgwick at 7.40 o'clock reports about making combined assault on their works. Gibbon on right; Newton center; Howe on left. If he fails, will try again.

BUTTERFIELD.

BANKS' FORD, May 3, 1863-8.45 a.m.

General BUTTERFIELD:

Dispatch received. Will do all possible to keep open telegraphic communication with United States Ford, and keep you advised. From the fire which approaches us, by the sound, I judge that we are pushing the enemy back.

HENRY J. HUNT.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 1863-9.15 a.m.

Major-General SEDGWICK:

You will hurry up your column. The enemy's right flank now rests near the Plank road at Chancellorsville, all exposed. You will attack at once.

By command of Major-General Hooker:

C. B. COMSTOCK,
Captain of Engineers.