Seth Williams to Henry W. Benham, April 30, 1863

April 30, 1863—3 p. m. [Captain CUSHING :] i273 Received message from Major-General Butterfield in regard to General Reynolds being threatened. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major-General.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, V. A., April 30, 1863. Brigadier-General BENHAM, Commanding Engineer Brigade:

The commanding general directs that you have one of the bridges at Franklin’s crossing and one of the bridges at Reynolds’ crossing t taken up to-night, and in position to be laid at Banks’ Ford before daylight to-morrow. The bridges to be laid with the utmost dispatch at Banks’ Ford the instant the enemy abandons his works there, which will be early to-morrow morning. The chief quartermaster will be furnished with a copy of this order, and will supply whatever teams are required. This movement must be concealed from the enemy, and nothing be done that will betray the movement before dark to-night. The commanding general will hold you strictly responsible that this order is fully complied with.

Very respectfully, &c.,