officer at Nokesville, ready to receive instructions. In the absence of any other order, they will move to the front with the two regiments left behind by you. Please stop at Nokesville and report to me by telegraph for any further orders.

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

BEALETON, May 4, 1864.

General ROBERT B. POTTER,

Nokesville:

It is very desirable that you reach Bealeton to-night if it is a possible thing. Report to me from Warrenton Junction.

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

WARRENTON JUNCTION, May 4, 1864.

General BURNSIDE:

Just here; will rest and move on. Head of column will reach Bealeton about 6 p. m.

ROBT. B. POTTER,

Brigadier-General.

BEALETON, May 4, 1864.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

My division is within half an hour of this. Train will be late getting up. I wish Bliss would come and take command of First Brigade; no one to do it. Any orders?

ROBT. B. POTTER,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
Bristoe Station, May 4, 1864.

Colonel S. G. GRIFFIN,

Commanding Second Division, Ninth Army Corps:

COLONEL: You will leave two regiments of your command, the Ninth New Hampshire and one other, to guard the line now occupied by this division, and put the balance of your command on the road without delay, and move toward Catlett's without further orders, following the First Brigade. Instruct the officer in command of the two regiments left to patrol the road, and see that the telegraph communication is kept open. In the absence of other orders, he will move forward to join the division at Bealeton with all possible speed on the arrival of guards from Washington, and on the assurance that all transportation has left the line of road for Alexandria, which will probably be before sundown to-day.

By command of Brigadier General R. B. Potter:

SAML. WRIGHT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

25 R R - VOL XXXVI, PT II