Seth Williams to Joseph Hooker, April 12, 1863

Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Headquarters Army of the Potomac:

Longstreet is now before me with a very heavy force. The attack is on my front, which cuts off much of the aid of the gunboats on the flanks. Prisoners say 30,000 and more.

JOHN J. PECK, Major-General. (Copy to General Halleck.) Washington, D. C., April 12, 1863—10.30 a, m. Major-General HooKER, Falmouth, Va.:

Dispatches from Fort Monroe say that the enemy attacked Williamsburg and Suffolk in large force yesterday. They are also pressing General Foster in North Carolina very closely.

H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, V. A., April 12, 1863. Commanding Officer of Leyiment at the United States and Banks’ Fords,

(through Commanding Opicer Fifth Corps):

I am instructed by the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac to direct you to proceed with your regiment, by the most direct routes, to Banks’ and the United States Fords, where you will take post until further orders. You will march at 8 o’clock to-morrow, provided with five days’ rations. On reaching the fords, you will be careful to post your men so as to prevent the crossing of the enemy, and at the same time keep as many of your men from being exposed to their view as practicable. You will permit no communication across the river, and will arrest and return to camp all parties attempting it.

You will communicate with the headquarters of your corps as often as necessary.

At the same hour named for your regiment, another force will march to take post higher up the river, at Kelly’s Ford.

Very respectfully, &c.,