HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 14, 1864-10.15 p. m.

COMMANDING OFFICER DISMOUNTED CAVALRY:

I have the honor to inform you that a dispatch has just been received from Major-General Hancock indicating that a brigade of the enemy's cavalry is on our right. The commanding general directs that you at once notify all commanders of troops with the trains to the rear, that the utmost vigilance may be exercised by all to-night, and every preparation made to meet the enemy, should he make his appearance at Salem Church.

Very respectfully, &c.,

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, May 14, 1864.

(Received 6.30 a. m. 15th.)

SIR: The Secretary of War directs you not to ship pontoon wagons the Belle Plain, but to leave them at you camp and to turn over your pontoon horses and mules, including those at Belle Plain, to the quartermaster's department. Any pontoon wagons on vessels will be remanded. This order must be executed without delay. Please acknowledge receipt.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Indorsement.]

Captain Hall, assistant quartermaster, will comply with this order as early as practicable.

H. W. BENHAM.

HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE,
Washington, D. C., may 14, 1864.

General S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: I received this morning your orders to have the roads repaired from Belle Plain to Fredericksburg, I received an order yesterday to the same effect from General Halleck but have been unable to procure transportation until noon to-day. I expect to be at Belle Plain with my command this evening.

Your obedient servant,

H. W. BENHAM,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.