instructions to the command at Gainesville to join you at Gum Springs. General Abercrombie will join you at that place. The train of cars will not go to Gainesville to-day, as ordered.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

EDWARDS FERRY,

June 25, 1863-5 a. m.

(Received, War Department, 9. 40 a. m.)

General S. WILLIAMS:

GENERAL: By order of General Benham, commanding Engineer Brigade, I telegraph you of my arrival at this point with my bridge. I received orders, through Captain Turnbull, U. S. Engineers, that I am to lay my bridge at this point instead of proceeding to the Monocacy, as per order from General Benham. Please inform me if this is correct, and please inform me immediately which side of Goose Creek I shall lay my bridge.

Respectfully,

E. O. BEERS,

Major Fiftieth New York Engineers, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 25, 1863-10. 15 a. m.

Major E. O. BEERS,

Fiftieth New York Engineers,

Edwards Ferry:

The commanding general directs that the bridge be laid forthwith at Edwards Ferry, at the best place for crossing the troops. He supposed the bridge wa already laid. You should have obeyed his order communicated through Captain Turnbull. Answer.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

EDWARDS FERRY,

June 25, 1863-10. 30 a. m.

General WILLIAMS:

As soon as the train arrived, I commenced getting the boats into the river and discharging material. I have the bridge started at both ends, and shall push it with all possible dispatch. It will take nearly two hours to complete it. Your telegram is just received.

Respectfully,

E. O. BEERS,

Major Fiftieth New York Engineers.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 25, 1863-11. 10 a. m.

Captain C. N. TURNBULL,

Engineers, Edwards Ferry:

The commanding general has learned with much surprise that the second bridge is probably not yet laid at Edwards Ferry. He directs