MAY 16, 1864-1 p. m.

(Received 2.48 p. m.)

General GILLMORE:

I am in position and can retire at any time. Shall I retire by my right flank? I have two roads by this route which takes me by Howlett's. I think this is the route for me to take. Do you think the enemy are at Howlett's? Please send me at what hour I shall commence my movement.

Respectfully,

JNO. W. TURNER,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Second Division.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH CORPS,
May 16, 1864-5 p. m.

General TURNER:

Put your command in motion at once, and march slowly toward the intrenchments. General Terry will be in your rear. Take in all your men, stragglers, sick, and wounded. Take the main road by way of the pike and the first cross-road.

By order of General Gillmore:

ED. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

ON THE LEFT, May 16, 1864-10.30 a. m.

Colonel SHAFFER,

Chief of Staff:

COLONEL: I am at Mrs. Clay's on the old turnpike. No firing in our front. I have ordered the line forward. An officer on the pike not far from where it crosses the line forward. An officer on the pike, not far from where it crosses the railroad, was fired at. The rebels had formed a line of battle on this side of the creek and on the railroad, and were making preparations evidently for an advance up the new turnpike.

Yours, &c.,

A. AMES,

Brigadier-General.

MAY 16, 1864-11.45 a. m.

General AMES:

Press that force across Swift Creek and develop its strength so that we may know what may be done with it.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

NEAR WALTHALL JUNCTION, May 16, 1864-1.30 p. m.

Colonel SHAFFER,

Chief of Staff;

COLONEL: I have pressed the enemy back to the hills beyond the crossing of the pike and railroad. There he has taken a position