MAY 17, 1864.

Colonel ROOT,

Annapolis, Md.:

General Lockwood says he has heard nothing from the Ninety-fourth New York Infantry. Have they started for the Junction?

If not, why?

SAML. B. LAWRENCE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
In the Field, May 17, 1864-1.30 p.m.

(Received 7.35 p.m.)

His Excellency A. LINCOLN,

President of the United States:

On the 16th of May, 1861, I was honored by your kindness with a commission as major-general U. S. Volunteers. I have heard that such commissions expire by limitation of three years. I by no means desire to quit the service till the war is done. Do you think I have done enough to entitle me to one of the vacant commissions in the army, to date from May 16, 1861; otherwise I should prefer my present one, if you think me fit to hold either, and I can hold on to it.

Truly, yours,

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

[MAY 17, 1864. - For Butler to Stanton, relative to operations against Drewry's Bluff, &c. see p. 11.]

HAXALL'S LANDING, May 17, 1864

Major General B. F. BUTLER,

Commanding:

GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that I move out at 11 a.m. to-day, en route to join the Army of the Potomac.

I am, general very respectfully, you obedient servant,

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

Statement of Corpl. Frederick Foster, Company A, Sixty-seventh Ohio Volunteers.

I passed out near the mill on a little creek that runs the mill near our picket. During the night I passed on to the turnpike, near where General Terry had his fight. Our gun-boats throw shell into the country between the old and new turnpikes on a line running west southwest from Dr. Howlett's house, and think they did some damage, as they hallowed "cover," &c. Saw a column passing to-