HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, May 6, 1864-3.30 p.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE,
Commanding Ninth Army Corps:

General Hancock is directed to make an attack at 6 o'clock this evening. Be prepared and aid him in it.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

GENERAL BURNSIDE'S HEADQUARTERS, May 6, 1864-3.45 p.m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

Your note is received. Willcox has orders to get through to Hancock if possible, and attack again at once. He has nearly two brigades of fresh troops besides the other division, which was severely checked, the new regiments breaking. He will move to the left of Potter's attack. Nothing new from the Parker's Store road.

C. B. COMSTOCK,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, May 6, 1864-4 p.m.

Lieutenant Colonel C. B. COMSTOCK,
Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant-General Grant:

Immediately on receipt of your first not, the reserve brigade of General Burnside was sent out on Parker's Store road. General Warren has also been instructed to keep a lookout, and if any troops moved out, to attack them vigorously. Your last note is just sent to General Warren with instructions to the same effect.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, Wilderness Tavern,
May 6, 1864.

Major-General BURNSIDE,

Commanding Ninth Corps:

GENERAL: General Hancock has been severely engaged for some time, the enemy having forced his line in one place, but being immediately repulsed. In consequence of this, orders have been sent Hancock suspending the order to attack at 6 p.m. In your movements for the balance of the day, our until you receive further orders, hold your own and be governed entirely by circumstances. Should the enemy attack Hancock, give such aid as you can. After dark, and all is quiet, put your men in a good position for defense and for holding our line, and give your men all the rest they can get.

Yours,

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.