MAY 16, 1864-3.05 p. m.

General GILLMORE:

Your dispatch notifying me that my order as to your position and the two regiments is received. you received no order from me or any member of my staff to "fall back from intrenchments" till after you had sent me a dispatch that you were falling back on two roads. upon comparing dates Colonel Kensel did not leave with the order to "hold the roads" until after your dispatch was received, and the order he carried was originally written "why falling back?"

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH CORPS,
May 16, 1864-3.20 p. m.

Major-General BUTLER:

The signal officer at the Half-Way House reports that a bridge of infantry and a regiment of cavalry are seen moving to the left of our position. They are near the brick house. If I get further information I will send it. The two regiments ordered to Half-Way House by you are there.

Very respectfully,

Q. A. GILLMORE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, near Hatcher's, Va., May 16, 1864.

Brigadier General A. H. TERRY,

Commanding First Division, Tenth Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you retire within the intrenchments with your command, take up your old position, and get your command together as soon as possible.

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

ISRAEL R. SEALY,

Captain, 47th New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. General

(Same to General Turner.)

HEADQUARTERS TENTH CORPS,
May 16, 1864-3 p. m.

General TURNER:

If no one is found to whom the colored cavalry are ordered to report, assume command of them yourself.

By order of Major-General Gillmore:

ED. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.