Danl. Butterfield to Daniel Butterfield, May 2, 1863

May 2, 1863—10.45 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD: Is there a bridge at hand that I can make use of, or am I expected to cross at the ford at Falmouth? JOHN GIBBON, Brigadier-General.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, V. A., May 2, 1863, Major-General REYNOLDS:

In regard to your line of march, the general indicated no route.* Under present circumstances the shortest line would seem to be the one, but you must consider whether the fire your troops would receive from the enemy’s artillery while passing along the River road, the guns of the enemy in position, &¢., would make it proper for you to diverge for

*See Butterfield to Sedgwick, 5 a. m., p. 361,

Cuar, XXXVIL.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

short distance to avoid it; time is everything. It is one of the most unfortunate things that has occurred that the general’s orders, dated at 1.55 a. m., Chancellorsville, should not have reached here until 4.55. The reported cause is, the bearer lost his way in coming to the United States Ford with the dispatch. If you were now with the general, I ae there would be no doubt as to the result of the operations of to-day. Yours, truly and unofficially, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, V. A., May 2, 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS:

The telegraph operator just reports that the rebels are evacuating Banks’ Ford and moving toward the firing. It may be that this ford will be opened at any time and the bridge thrown over. Keep yourself in communication with me as far as possible, to be advised of this. It would seem to be proper, if an opportunity occurs, that you should

cross there and re-enforce General Hooker, and so shorten the line. You had better send a staff officer ahead to Banks’ Ford, if communication is opened there, and communicate with General Hooker.

Very respectfully, &c.,