SECOND CORPS, June 18, 1864.

Major-General MEADE:

The following received from General Martindale:

MARTINDALE'S HEADQUARTERS, June 18, 1864-8.30 p.m.

General HANCOCK:

Since Captain Taylor's report about a brigade of enemy's infantry have passed along the same road to our right and toward the city.

I. THICKSTUN,

Captain and Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, June 18, 1864.

[General BIRNEY:]

MY DEAR GENERAL: It appears to me from what I have picked up and from a desire to avoid for the corps all the artillery fire possible, that the real column of attack should be toward your left if the ground is favorable, which you will know better than I. I make this as a friendly suggestion.

Your obedient servant,
WINF'S S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

The matter of the Seventh [New York] Artillery and the matter of Colonel McCreary, One hundred and forty-third Pennsylvania, ought to be examined. It is said the latter surrendered. He did this at Chancellorsville, and in an unsatisfactory manner.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 18, 1864.

General BIRNEY:

Suit yourself; select the most suitable place and wit will suit me.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,
Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, June 18, 1864-6.30 a.m.

Major-General MEADE,

Commanding Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: I send you an order* found in the enemy's line of

rifle-pits, which indicates a new line. I am getting the troops in hand, and advancing my skirmishers rapidly. We find a skirmish line in front.

D. B. BIRNEY,

Major-General, Commanding.

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*Not found.

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