MAY 18, 1864-9 a.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

No vulnerable point presenting itself in the front now occupied, there will be no attack to-day. You will therefore assume a defensive position, holding yourself in readiness for being withdrawn to your left at short notice.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
Near Spotsylvania Court-House, Va., May 18, 1864-2 p.m.

Major General A. E. BURNSIDE,

Commanding Ninth Army Corps:

GENERAL: Inclosed please find copy of instructions* from lieutenant-general commanding to Major-General Meade, which embraces the directions for your next movement and by which you will be governed. In moving from your present position to your new march your infantry by the rear of Generals Warren and Wright, keeping on the same side of the Ny you now are, if practicable, and send your artillery and wagons around by the road. Commence your movement immediately after General Hancock takes up his line of march.

By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:

JNO. A. RAWLINS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

MAY 18, 1864-6.10 p.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE,

Commanding Ninth Corps:

The same road will be used from here to Fredericksburg after our first move as now, so that the position of Ferrero's command will not be changed at present. Warren does not move.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 18, 1864-9 p.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

Hancock telegraphs he will leave Birney's division to cover your flank, in accordance with my orders. Please see that Birney's and Hancock's pickets are withdrawn when you are ready to move.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
May 18, 1864-6.10 a.m.

General BURNSIDE,

Ninth Army Corps:

GENERAL: I have advanced the whole of my line some little distance. I connect with General Barlow's division, of Hancock's

---------------

*See Grant to Meade, May 18, p. 864.

---------------