JULY 26, 1864.

Major-General HANCOCK:

Major Ludlow, of my staff, and Captain Shaffer will guide your two columns by different routes. They will report to you by 7.30 p.m. If you should happen my way should be glad to chat a moment.

Yours,

BUTLER,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 26, 1864-9 p.m.

(Received 9.45 p.m.)

General MEADE:

The head of my column arrived at the bridge at 8.10, and the command is now massing near General Butler's headquarters. I shall move on in a few minutes.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,
Major-General.

ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 26, 1864.

The command will move to-day as follows: The First Division at 4 p.m., conducted by a staff officer from these headquarters. The Third Division will follow the First closely, and the Second will follow the Third. The commandant of artillery will assign three batteries to the remaining batteries will follow the Second Division, which will have a rear guard of a brigade. Each division will be followed by twenty ambulances. The remaining ambulances will be sent to the supply train. No wagons will be allowed to accompany the troops excepting those containing intrenching tools, the headquarters spring wagons, one medical wagon for each division, one wagon for each division for hospital tent (flies only), and the necessary transportation for three days' forage from Wednesday morning. The remaining wagons will be sent to join the general train. The pickets will be withdrawn from the right,

30 R R-VOL XL, PT III