in the second line, so placed as to support any portion of his line. Commanders who by this arrangements are deprived of their positions in line will mass their troops in rear of their present position and report at these headquarters.

By command of Major-General Birney:

F. BIRNEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, May 7, 1864-12 noon.

Major-General HANCOCK:

GENERAL: My reconnaissance reached the rifle-pits or barricades just beyond the extreme advance yesterday. The line, judging by its volley, was not a very strong one. The artillery was a section of horse artillery-I thought small. I did not think it well to attack without General Burnside co-operated. He does not seem to be very near the plank road with his left. There is a very good position, considering the woody character of the country, parallel to the works, which may be a mere road barricade.

Respectfully,
D. B. BIRNEY,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, May 7, 1864-5.40 p. m.

Major-General BIRNEY,

Commanding Third Division:

SIR: The major-general commanding directs that you proceed with your division at once up the plank road to Hawkins' Church (on the Chancellorsville pike), to escort and accompany the Artillery Reserve of the army.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

FRANCIS A. WALKER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, May 7, 1864-7.10 p. m.

Major-General BIRNEY:

You will please march your command back to position previously held by your; accelerate your march if you hear firing in front.

By command of Major-General Hancock:

A. W. ANGEL,
Major and Aide-de-Camp.

MAY 7, 1864-5 a. m.

General HUMPHREYS:

My command with me holds the fire from General Burnside's right to the pike. All except the left of it intrenched. I have with me Crawford's and Griffin's divisions entire, Baxter's brigade in two