sent the necessary instructions to General Willcox. I am glad to learn from Major Lydig that you will visit these headquarters this morning. The division will be sent to Piney Branch at once.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

[Inclosure.]

HALF MILE FROM GAYLE'S HOUSE, May 9, 1864-7.15 a.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

Found the enemy's vedettes one-half mile before reaching Gayle's house. They are retiring before my skirmishers.

GAYLE'S HOUSE - 8 a.m.

The enemy show considerable force of cavalry and, I think, infantry, but it is hazy, and I am not sure. Their skirmish lines are deployed as though they meant fight.

Very respectfully,

O. B. WILLCOX.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, May 9, 1864-10 a.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE,
Commanding Ninth Army Corps:

You will please direct the general commanding the division of your troops ordered to Piney Branch Church to send out staff officers to learn and acquaint themselves with the roads leading from Piney Branch Church to the positions of Generals Warren and Sedgwick, near Spotsylvania, and to General Hancock, at Todd's Tavern; also, to hold his division in readiness at Piney Branch Church to move to the support of either Warren and Sedgwick or to General Hancock, as he may be directed on the receipt. When the division receives orders to move it must be conducted by one of those staff officers who have familiarized themselves with the roads on which it is to move, that there may be no delay.

By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:

JNO. A. RAWLINS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, May 9, 1864.

Major-General BURNSIDE,
Commanding Ninth Army Corps:

If after going to the Gate in person you deem it necessary, move up your three white divisions without hesitancy or reference to previous orders.

By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:

JNO. A. RAWLINS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.