WASHINGTON CITY, May 5, 1864-5.10 a.m.

M. J. McCRICKETT,

Alexandria:

General Parke will be ready in three-quarters of an hour and at the Maryland avenue depot. He will go at least to Alexandria and determine there what further to do. Send a locomotive for him.

JAS. A. HARDIE,

Colonel, &c.

MAY 5, 1864-5.45 a.m.

M. J. McCRICKETT,

Alexandria:

What train do you allude to as going to start to the front? Have you found the cars with Burnside's rations that were sent back by mistake and is that the train you allude to? If so, no orders have been given for that to start yet. Has there any escort reported to you? I have sent to hurry up General Parke.

JAS. A. HARDIE,

Colonel, &c.

MAY 5, 1864-6.10 a.m.

M. J. McCRICKETT,

Alexandria;

If General Burnside has ordered it, let the train start when ready. General Parke must overtake the train at Rappahannock. He can get there by the time the cars are unloaded and in the wagons.

JAS. A. HARDIE,

Colonel, &c.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
Germanna Ford, May 5, 1864-6 a.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

Lieutenant-General Grant desires that all your baggage and supply trains not immediately needed with your command cross the Rapidan at Ely's Ford and join the trains of the Army of the Potomac. As soon as you can dispense with the pontoon bridge at Ely's Ford you will have it rejoin the Army of the Potomac.

Very respectfully.,

C. B. COMSTOCK,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
Germanna Ford, May 5, 1864-8.40 a.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE,

Commanding Ninth Army Corps:

GENERAL: Place one division of your corps on the ridge south of the river and west or southwest of the plank road. Leave it there until your entire command is over, then close up a rapidly as pos-