HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, TWENTIETH CORPS, May 8, 1864-7 a. m.

Major-General HOOKER:

GENERAL: So smoky this morning we can see nothing. Shall I make a reconnaissance with a regiment or less, in front of Ross, to see if we can find out whether the enemy are still there in front of his right.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD.

The large camps seen off to his left were probably ours, at Tunnel Hill.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS, Mrs. Reed's House, Ga., May 8, 1864-9.30 a. m.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Your dispatch of yesterday, directing a reconnaissance to be made at 6 o'clock this morning, only reached me this moment. Directions will be instantly given for a brigade to threaten Buzzard Roost to develop the enemy's strength and position, without becoming engaged with him unless he comes out from behind his defenses.

In consequence of the dense smoke in this valley, I trust the delay in receiving your dispatch will prove no serious disappointment to the major-general commanding. Small scouting parties have been out all the morning. The cavalry and one brigade of infantry left for Villanow at sunrise. Have received no report from them.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS, Mrs. Reed's House, May 8, 1864-10.30 a. m.

Brigadier-General GEARY,
Commanding Second Division:

GENERAL; I am directed by the major-general commanding the corps to instruct you to march without delay to seize the gap in the Rocky Face Ridge, called Babb's, and to establish yourself strongly at that post. Take your two brigades and send word as soon as you are in position. Take no wagons, and but few ambulances. Avoid a fight if you have to make it at disadvantage. Lieutenant-Colonel Asmussen will accompany you.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. PERKINS,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS, May 8, 1864-11.30 a. m.

[General HOOKER:]

General Geary desires me to say that he would like the brigade under Colonel Ireland ordered up from the Villanow road to join him at or