RICHMOND, May 9, 1864-12.30 p.m. (Received 1.10 p.m.)

General PICKETT,

Petersburg:

The enemy are moving on Drewry's Bluff. All the troops at your disposal must move immediately and assail him in rear. This admits of no delay.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

HEADQUARTERS,
Swift Creek, May 9, 1864-1 p.m.

Major C. PICKETT,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The order to advance is received, and I have given the order to commence the movement.

Yours, very respectfully,

B. R. JOHNSON,

Brigadier-General.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS,
Petersburg, May 9, 1864.

General JOHNSON,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: Since the order was given for your advance General Pickett has sent another countermanding it, telling you to hold the line of Swift Creek if the enemy, as reported, were advancing in force on you.

Yours, &c.,

C. PICKETT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Petersburg, May 9, 1864-2 p.m.

Lieutenant General D. H. HILL:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that your note is to hand, and that you can push on at once with the command, leaving only enough to cover Swift Creek. Please communicate this to General Johnson.

Yours, respectfully,

C. PICKETT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[MAY 9, 1864.-For Pickett to Johnson (received 3.45 p.m.), directing the holding of the line of Swift Creek, &c., see p.243.]

HEADQUARTERS,
Petersburg, May 9, 1864-6 p.m.

Brigadier General B. R. JOHNSON,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that the enemy are advancing in considerable force on the City Point