HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, September 16, 1864-12.15 p.m.

Major-General HANCOCK,
Commanding Second Corps:

The commander of the brigade sent down the plank road should report to General Davies and receive his instructions as to the disposition of his troops. If he should not find General Davies, who may be with his troops in pursuit of the enemy, he will dispose of them according to his own judgment.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, September 16, 1864.

(Received 1 p.m.)

Major-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Staff:

The commander of the brigade sent down the plank road will be ordered to report to General Davies if he meets him; otherwise to look out for himself according to his best judgment.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, September 16, 1864-12.50 p.m.

(Received 1 p.m.)

Major-General HANCOCK,
Commanding Second Corps:

The commanding general is of opinion that the brigade sent down the plank road should be not less than 1,500 strong, and if the one sent is of less strength than that it should be re-enforced.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, September 16, 1864-1.30 p.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Staff:

The brigade sent down the plank road is more than 1,500 strong.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, September 16, 1864-3.4 p.m.

(Received 4 p.m.)

Major-General HANCOCK,
Commanding Second Corps:

The cavalry pickets between the plank road and the Blackwater have been ordered to be withdrawn and the force sent down the plank road to join General Davies.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

(Same to Major-General Parke.)