HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION,
May 16, 1864-4.15 p. m.

[General HANCOCK:]

GENERAL: I have advanced three-fourths of a mile beyond the Hicks house. A few men, evidently on the lookout, seen. they disappeared on our appearance. Birney and Mott should be cautioned to be ready to advance in the direction of the Brown house, should any force appear to threaten my rear, as I have directed my last brigade left at the deserted house.

JOHN GIBBON,

Brigadier-General.

[Indorsement.]

Respectfully forwarded to Major-General Burnside.

General Gibbon is rescuing the wounded of the Fifth and Second Corps.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
May 16, 1864.

Major-General BIRNEY,

Commanding Division, Second Corps:

GENERAL: The inclosed is sent for your information.* If it becomes necessary to jeopardize the connection with our right, please let us know in time to prepare for it.

I have [informed] General Potter.

Very respectfully, &c.,

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
May 16, 1864-5 o'clock.

Major-General BIRNEY:

My impression is that you had better occupy the high hill across the creek on the road we came, and the hill way, putting some pickets in your front and right, connecting with General Burnside.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

ORDERS.] HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS,

May 16, 1864-8.40 p. m.

At 5 a. m. to-morrow, 17th instant, the Second Brigade, Colonel Crocker, will relieve the Fourth Brigade, General Mott, in the front lines. General Mott will mass his command, when relieved, in rear of the center of the division, ready to support any part of the line.

By command of Major-General Birney:

F. BIRNEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*Inclosure not found.

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