orders from the front. I of course can prepare for this the amount needed for the bridge you refer to be some twenty-two boats or 440 feet, and have all but the teams, of which it will require some 250 animals from the quartermaster's department here; and this bridge could be sent to-morrow forenoon from here, on the Secretary's own order, which of course I should need for my own protection. If the railroad were guarded from Aquia Creek to the river the teams might perhaps be dispensed with.

[H. W. BENHAM.]

RAPPAHANNOCK, May 9, 1864.

General BENHAM:

I have no orders from any one to return or stay. What shall be done? If return, transportation is needed.

H. V. SLOSSON,

Fifteenth New York Volunteer Infantry.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 9, 1864-2.15 a.m.

Major-General HANCOCK,
Commanding Second Corps:

Brigadier-General Gibbon and his command was not intended by paragraph 39 to be returned independent of contingencies to the Second Corps. It is designed that if practicable General Gibbon be held as a reserve, to be employed at such point as may be proved to be most essential. General Gibbon will therefore not for the present change his position. The heavy artillery is also a reserve at the disposal of Major-General Hancock.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION PICKET-LINE, May 9, 1864. [Received 5.30 a .m.]

General [HANCOCK]:

Scouts report that the enemy have left our front. None are to be seen. I have sent out again with instructions to go on still farther than they have been and will report to you immediately.

A. L. LOCKWOOD,
Major and Division Officer of the Day.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, May 9, 1864- 6.a.m.

General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: I believe that the enemy have gone from this front. It is so foggy that nothing can be seen; but on pressing forward scouts in front of one of my brigades, nothing was found of the enemy for