CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

May 5, 1864-8 p.m.

The commanding general directs that your order all train guards, as well as every man of your command capable of bearing arms, to join your troops at the front before daylight to-morrow morning. For the present the trains must be protected by the cavalry, and every man who can shoulder a musket must be in the ranks. You will at once send a staff officer to the chief quartermaster at these headquarters to learn the location of your trains and conduct the train guard to the front.

By command of Major-General Meade:

S. WILLIAMS.

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MAY 5, 1864-8.45 p.m.

Brigadier-General HUNT:

The commanding general directs that your order all the regiments and detachments of heavy artillery, as well as all train guards of your command, to report at these headquarters to yourself before daylight to-morrow morning for service at the front.

Very respectfully, &c.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MAY 5, 1864-7.30 a.m.

(Received 9 a.m.)

COMMANDING OFFICER SECOND CORPS:

The enemy are on the Orange pike about 2 miles in front of Wilderness Tavern in some force. Until the matter develops the major-general commanding desires you to halt at Todd's Tavern.

A. A. HUMPHREYS.

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HDQRS. SECOND CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Todd's Tavern, May 5, 1864-9 a.m.

General WILLIAMS.

Asst. Adjt. General, Army of the Potomac:

Received the general's dispatch by Lieutenant Jay at 9 a.m. The leading division had just left Todd's Tavern. I have halted it. It must be a greater distance to Todd's Tavern by the road I came than appears on the map from the time I have been occupied in coming here. Nothing of the enemy. Fifty of their cavalry left here yesterday noon with the notification to the enemy that our army had crossed the river.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General of Volunteers.