CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

May 8, 1864.

First. Hancock withdraws to-night to Anderson's Mill. Second. Burnside's the same to the Massaponax Church road. Third. Wright has returned to his former position at Myers'. Fourth. All trains, hospitals, &c., should be brought this side of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Court-House road to-night.

By command of Major-General Meade:

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS,
May 18, 1864-3 a.m.

General WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: I am just informed that the head of General Tyler's command has appeared near the gate posts, where you headquarters were to-day, in rather broken order. I shall now have half an hour to collect him and bring him on. He will evidently not be of much use in the assault. The First and Second Divisions are already formed, and the Sixth Corps is marching by.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General of Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS,
May 18, 1864-4.05 a.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: Owing to the difficulties of advancing the picket-line, only one of General Wright's divisions is in position. General Wright, not being yet ready, I shall delay the assault a little. The other division of General Wright is now on the ground.

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

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
May 18, 1864-4.35 a.m.

General WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac:

SIR: I have ordered the attack, though General Wright's Third division is not formed, nor is General Tyler's division yet up.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK.

Major-General, Commanding