HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 4, 1863 - 12 m.

Captain WILLIAM G. RANKIN,

At Old Headquarters Army of the Potomac:

Do not come up here yourself. Perhaps no one had better come just yet. Keep quiet; do not make any excitement. We are in great trouble, but we shall fight out. Do not communicate with Washington on the subject.

RUFUS INGALLS,

Chief Quartermaster.

WASHINGTON, D. C.,

May 4, 1863 - 3.10 p. m.

Major-General HOOKER:

We have news here that the enemy had reoccupied heights above Fredericksburg. Is that so?

A. LINCOLN.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 4, 1863 - 4.20 p. m.

His Excellency the PRESIDENT:

I am informed that it is so, but attach no importance to it.

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General.

CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA.,

May 4, 1863 - 3.45 p. m.

Major-General MEADE:

Major-General Hooker directs that you send in three regiments as skirmishers to your front as far as the Chancellorsville and Germanna Plank road, to find out the enemy's force in that direction. Support your skirmishers by a bridge. The general desires to see what is in the field to the right of the Chancellor house.

Let your line of skirmishers be strong enough to drive in the line held by the enemy.

Very respectfully, &c.,

J. H. VAN ALEN,

Brigadier-General, Acting Chief of Staff.

CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA.,

May 4, 1863 - 6.15 a. m.

General SLOCUM:

The general commanding desires that you send out a regiment on the River road, with orders to proceed until they come up with and feel the enemy sufficiently to be able to ascertain his position, and whether he it in force or not.

J. H. VAN ALEN,

Brigadier-General and Aide-de-Camp.

26 R R-VOL XXV, PT II