Danl. Butterfield to John Sedgwick, April 29, 1863

April 29, 1863. Major-General SEDGWICK:

GENERAL: Yours, inclosing General Wadsworth’s suggestion, is received. The general has retired and is asleep. If the enemy are massing troops in front of Brooks, it will suit the general’s purposes. The general wants all correct information as to the numbers of troops in your front, and whether any are passing on to their left (our right) beyond Fredericksburg. The balloon must keep us posted and be on the alert.

Telegraph us freely early in the morning. Keep a good look at the size and number of camp-fires. It is very important to know whether or not the enemy are being held in your front. The moment news arrives with regard to the progress made to-day by the right wing, plans for to-morrow willissue. The maneuvers now in progress the general hopes will compel the enemy to fight him on hisown ground. He has no desire to make the general engagement where you are, in front of Brooks or Wadsworth.

Please consider this-confidential. I inclose copy of an order given Professor Lowe to-night.

Please arrange so that you will get the information, and that it will not be delayed in transmission here. If you have a good officer who will go up and can judge, send him early.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,