heights just south of the town, opposite the old crossing of General Franklin, and one brigade will take position just in rear of the Seddon house, some 4 or 5 miles below the crossing. The most able-bodied men will be detailed for this service, while those not able to march will be left in their camp as camp guards. This movements is intended simply as a demonstration, and the men will be placed in the wood in rear, as if trying to conceal themselves from the enemy, at the same time making it apparent that we have a force at these positions. Skillful officers should that is to take position in rear of the batteries near the town, and Mr. Marvin will conduct the brigade that is to take position near the Seddon house. A battery will accompany this brigade. This battery, as well as those just below the town, will open fire at 6 o'clock tomorrow morning on the rifle-pits in their front, and continue it at intervals until an hour after daylight. Your remaining brigade will remain in its present position. You will keep in constant communication with the commanders of your brigades during the day by orderlies.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,

JNO. G. PARKE,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

[Inclosure No. 28.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 22, 1863.

Major General E. V. SUMNER,
Commanding Right Grand Division:

GENERAL: The commanding general requests that you will furnish Brigadier-General Hays with such details as he may require in removing the artillery he has in position, both that belonging to your command and to the reserve artillery.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. G. PARKE,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

[Inclosure No. 29.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 22, 1863.

Brigadier-General WOODBURY,
Commanding Engineer Brigade:

I am directed by the commanding general to inform you the orders have been issued to Major-Generals Hooker and Franklin to withdraw their commands, and also that General Franklin has been ordered to detail a division to remain as guard to the pontoon trains. The general wishes that you have the pontoons collected and trains parked in a good position, so that they can be withdrawn as soon as the condition of the road will admit. You will please send an aide back with the orderly for such further verbal instructions as the general deems necessary, on receiving report of the condition of trains, &c.

I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,

JNumbers G. PARKE,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

6 R R-VOL XXI