HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 30, 1864-4.50 a. m.

Major-General ORD,
Commanding Eighteenth Corps:

General Burnside is ordered if his mine has failed to open all his batteries and assault at once. You will consider the orders the same as if the mine had exploded, and the assault made in consequence.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

Just before this was finished the mine exploded and the batteries opened. It was not sent.

A. A. H.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 30, 1864-6 a. m.

Major-General ORD,
Commanding Eighteenth Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that you at once move forward your corps rapidly to the crest of the hill independently of General Burnside's troops and make a lodgment there, reporting the result as soon as attained.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 30, 1864.

General MEADE:

General Turner, in my front, reports that the only place I can get out of the line is opposite the crater. It is already full of men who cannot develop. I shall put in my column as soon as I can. It is impossible, by reason of the topography, to charge in the manner your indicate. I must go in by head of column and develop to the right. This is reply to order from General Meade to push for crest of hill regardless of General Burnside's troops. General Ames makes similar reports.

E. O. C. ORD,
Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 30, 1864-9.45 a. m.

Major-General ORD,

Commanding Eighteenth Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that you withdraw your corps to the rear of the Ninth Corps in some secure place.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

[JULY 30, 1864.-For Meade to Burnside and Ord, 10 a. m., relative to withdrawal of troops, &c., see p. 662.]