T. S. C. Lowe to Daniel Butterfield, May 1, 1863

: May 1, 1863—12 m, Major-General BUTTERFIELD,

Chief of Staff: General Reynolds says: Telegraph General Butterfield that I think General Hooker will be met by the enemy crossing or covering the Telegraph road in some position beyond Owen’s and

Taylor’s houses, JOHN SEDGWICK, Major-General, Commanding.

BALLOON EAGLE, BANkKs’ Forp, May 1, 1863—12.25 p. m. General SEDGWICK: cia ces There is a .erce of the enemy under arms in a clear field back of a thin wood opposite Banks’ Ford. I judge them to be about 5,000, They are back from the river nearly a mile. I think the earthworks on the bank of the curve in the river 1 mile south from Banks’ Ford are well supplied.

BALLOON IN THE AIR, May 1, 1863—12.30 p. m.

Major-General SEDGWIOK, Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: In a west-northwest direction about 12 miles, an engagement is going on. Can see heavy smokes and hear artillery. Ina westsouthwest direction about 4 miles, artillery is moving toward the engagement. A large force of the enemy are now digging rifle-pits, extending from Deep Run to down beyond the lower crossing, just by the edge of the woods at the foot of the opposite heights. There are but few troops in sight now, except those manning batteries and in the riflepits. There appears to be a strong force in the rifle-pits.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,