Seth Williams to George Stoneman Couch, April 30, 1863

April 30, 1863—1 p. m. Major-General CoucH, United States Ford:

Third Corps is under orders to be across the river at United States Ford at 7 a. m. to-morrow. The column is en route. Meade’s batteries areon the way. Headquarters will be at Chancellorsville to-night.

JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac, April 30, 1863—2.15 p. m. Captain CoMSTOCK: The general directs that no advance be made from Chancellorsville until the columns are concentrated. He expects to be at Chancellorsville to-night. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. (Copy to Generals Couch and Meade.) 20 R R—VOL XXV, PY Il

306 N. V. A., W. V. A., M. D., AND P. A. [CHar. XXXVI,

Camp NEAR FALMOUTH, V. A., April 30, 1863—8.30 a. m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Oommanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac:

I am directed by the major-general commanding to instruct you to make a demonstration on the enemy’s lines in the direction of Hamilton’s Crossing at 1o0’clock, the object being simply to ascertain whether or not the enemy continues to hug his defenses in full force; and if he should have abandoned them, to take possession of his works and the commanding ground in their vicinity. In his opinion a corps should be used for this service, a portion of it advanced, while the balance is held in supporting distance, and your whole force held in readiness to spring to their relief should an effort be made to ovorpower them or to cut them off. This demonstration will be made for no other purpose than that stated. The enemy must not be attacked behind his defenses, if held in force. No train but that of a few ambulances should accompany thecolumn. As soon as the required information is obtained, the column can return. Look well after the defenses of your bridge-heads during this movement.

If you are certain that the enemy is in full force in your front, I am instructed by the commanding general to say that the demonstration herein directed will not be made. The general must know the position of affairs and be advised fully ; also as to what you do, at once.

The enemy have a pontoon train at Hamilton’s. The general expects that you will not permit them to cross the river. When you move forward, if you want all your artillery, the batteries of the reserve here can be called for.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,