[CHAP. XXXIII.

party to confer with General Sykes before proceeding to relieve his troops.

Headquarters to-night will be at the corner of Hanover and Princess Anne streets.

Very respectfully, &c.,

JOS. DICKINSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WASHINGTON, December 15, 1862-9.15 p.m.

Major General AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE:

Saw General Halleck about 6 o'clock. He decidedly disapproved of recrossing the river. I inferred that he favored your plan of operations. He asked whether you did not think it advisable to make some use of the spade. Said he would telegraph you to-night.

WM. GODDARD,

Major and Aide-de-Camp.

WASHINGTON, D. C., December 15, 1862.

Major-General BURNSIDE, Falmouth, Va.:

I have seen your aide, Major Goddard. You will be fully sustained in any measures you may adopt in regard to unreliable officers. In regard to movements we cannot judge here; you are the best judge. Anything you may want will be supplied as soon as possible. General Dix will assist by diversions. We have every confidence in your judgment and ultimate success.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

HEADQUARTERS LEFT GRAND DIVISION,
Monday, December 15, 1862-8.48 a.m.

General AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE:

On the extreme left the enemy have advanced their skirmishers, and Reynolds has sent word to advance his to meet them. Enemy digging and chopping, and now have on a hill a parapet of logs perpendicular to Reynolds' line. Firing this morning from De Russy's batteries across the river. Enemy seem to be strengthening their force in this direction.

Respectfully,

JAS. A. HARDIE,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS LEFT GRAND DIVISION,
December 15, 1862-10 a.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: Although most of our wounded are now in our possession, General Meade is certain that more than 100, perhaps 200 or 300, of our wounded from his division are within the enemy's lines, but without care or attention, being near and both within and without the enemy's