SEDGWICK'S HEADQUARTERS,

May 4, 1863 - 12 m.

Generals HOOKER and BUTTERFIELD:

General Howe has had a sharp fight, and has taken a flag and 200 prisoners.

SEDGWICK,

General.

FREDERICKSBURG,

May 4, 1863 - 12 m.

General BUTTERFIELD:

The enemy that entered the earthworks in rear of Fredericksburg still remain. They have also considerable infantry and some wagons with their artillery on the heights to the left of Hazel Run. A portion of General Sedgwick's command occupy a position to the right, commanding the enemy. I should estimate the enemy now in sight at least 15,000 strong.

T. S. C. LOWE.

(Copy to General Sedgwick.)

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 4, 1863 - 1.20 p. m.

General SEDGWICK,

Commanding Sixth Corps:

I except to advance to-morrow morning, which will be likely to relieve you.

You must not count on much assistance without I hear heavy firing. Tell General Benham to put down the other bridge, of you desire it.

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS,
May 4, 1863 - 1.40 p. m.

Major-General HOOKER:

I occupy the same position as yesterday, when General Warren left me. It is not a strong one. I have no means of judging of the enemy's force about me; deserters say 40,000. I shall take a position near Bank's Ford and the Taylor house, at the suggestion of General Warren. Officers have already gone to select a position.

It is believed that the heights of Fredericksburg are occupied by two divisions of the enemy.

JOHN SEDGWICK,

Major-General.

MAY 4, 1863 - [Hour not stated.]

Major-General SEDGWICK,

Banks' Ford, Va.:

It is of vital importance that you should take a commanding position near Fredericksburg, which you can hold to a certainty till to-morrow. Please advise me what you can do in this respect. I inclose