You will notify General Couch and Sickles previous to the withdrawal of your pickets and reserves, that they may re-establish their old lines before your are relieved.

Very respectfully, &c.,

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.

(Copies furnished commanding officers Second and Third Corps.)

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 7, 1863 - 9.30 p. m.

Major-General SEDGWICK:

You are ordered to return to vicinity of your old camp to-morrow a. m. Don't withdraw your pickets and reserves until you receive directions contained in the order.

BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA.,

May 7, 1863 - 9.30 p. m.

Brigadier-General BENHAM,

Commanding Engineer Brigade:

The commanding general directs that you have two boats with oars at Banks' Ford and the same at United States Ford to-morrow morning at such hour as the medical director may indicate, for the purpose of conveying over the river, under a flag of truce, medical supplies for our wounded in the hands of the enemy. The boats will be taken to the vicinity of the fords, but will not be launched until they are wanted.

Very respectfully, &c.,

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 7, 1863.

General COUCH:

General Gibbon has been directed to report his division to you for your instructions concerning it.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

YORKTOWN, VA.,

May 7, 1863.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Colonel Kilkpatrick, with the Harris Light Cavalry and Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, have just arrived at Gloucester Point, having accomplished the object of their mission fully and most gallantly. The pursued the enemy to within 3 miles of Richmond, and destroyed a large amount of property and bridges. General Dix and General Keyes left this morning for West Point.

RUFUS KING,

Brigadier-General.