HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 18, 1864-8.45 a.m. (Received 9.07 a.m.)

Major-General HANCOCK,

Commanding Second Corps.

The major-general commanding directs me to say that the attack is abandoned and that you will immediately order Tyler's division back to the Anderson house and assume a defensive attitude, sending such of your artillery trains as you do not require to the Anderson house with Tyler's division. General Wright will be withdrawn as soon as Tyler is out of the way.

A. A. HUMPHREYS.

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 18, 1864. (Received 5.45 p.m.)

Major-General HANCOCK,

Commanding Second Army Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that you withdraw after 9 o'clock this evening and move to Anderson's Mill at the crossing of the Ny by the Massaponax Church road. General Burnside is directed to withdraw after you have withdrawn and to take position on the left of General Wright, as close to the enemy as he can get. He will cross the Ny at Andersons' Mill. You, therefore, will clear the road for him.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
May 18, 1864-6.50 p.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Do you wish the pickets to be withdrawn when the command moves or kept on till nearer morning?

WINF'D S. HANCOCK.

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 18, 1864-8 p.m.

Major-General HANCOCK:

General Burnside is here and wishes to see you before you move. He will ride at once to your headquarters.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 18, 1864-8.15 p.m. (Received 8.30 p.m.)

Major-General HANCOCK:

Burnside wishes Barlow's left to cover his flank. He will withdraw Barlow and your pickets when he moves at 3 a.m. to-morrow.