HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA.

New Berne, N. C., May 4, 1864-7.50 p.m.

Colonel J. JOURDAN,
Commanding Sub-District of Beaufort:

COLONEL: The commanding general directs me to inform you that the enemy, with a force of infantry and artillery, have attacked and driven in our pickets on the Trent road, as far as Rocky Run. How large a force is not as yet known. Look out for your railroad and telegraphic communications. Have every man on the alert.

Respectfully, yours,

J. A. JUDSON.

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT OF BEAUFORT,
Morehead City, May 4, 1864.

Colonel RIPLEY,

Newport:

The enemy have attacked and driven our troops on the Trent road, with infantry and artillery, as far as Rocky Run. Notify your outposts, and send your cavalry out on the main avenues of approach at once. Keep me well informed of any indications of the approach of the enemy.

J. JOURDAN,

Colonel, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Old Wilderness Tavern, May 5, 1864.

(Received 7.30 a.m.)

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

The enemy have appeared in force on the Orange pike, and are now reported forming line of battle in front of Griffin's division Fifth Corps. I have directed General Warren to attack them at once with his whole force. Until this movement of the enemy is developed, the march of the corps must be suspended. I have, therefore, sent word to Hancock not to advance beyond Todd's Tavern for the present. I think the enemy is trying to delay our movement, and will not give battle, but of this we shall soon see. For the present I will stop here, and have stopped our trains.

GEO. G. MEADE.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
Germanna Ford, May 5, 1864-8.24 a.m.

General MEADE:

Your note giving movement of enemy and your dispositions received. Burnside's advance is now crossing the river. I will have Ricketts' division relieved and advanced at once, and urge Burnside's crossing. As soon as I can see Burnside I will go forward. If any opportunity presents itself for pitching into a part of Lee's army, do so without giving time for disposition.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.