HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, May 7, 1864.

Colonel SHAFFER,
Chief of Staff:

COLONEL: Inasmuch as the command to-day was a mixed command, I would respectfully request you to ask the general commanding department to issue the order giving me direction of the movement.

Respectfully, &c.,

WM. F. SMITH,

Major-General, Commanding.

ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS,

Bermuda Landing, May 7, 1864.

Major General William F. Smith, commanding Eighteenth Army Corps, is directed to take command of the detached force from the Tenth and Eighteenth Army Corps, now operating toward Petersburg and Richmond on the railroad.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

MAY 7, 1864-8.30 p.m.

Colonel SHAFFER:

I want all the cavalry I can get to make a scout to-morrow. If I send any to General Gillmore I shall not have enough. Will send them to him Monday or Tuesday. Have ordered 20 to report to you.

WM. F. SMITH,

Major-General, Commanding.

MAY 7, 1864.

Colonel SHAFFER:

Have sent one company of cavalry to General Gillmore. Shall I send any more?

WM. F. SMITH,

Major-General.

MAY 7, 1864.

General SMITH:

One is enough.

SHAFFER,

Colonel.

BERMUDA SIGNAL STATION, May 7, 1864. (Received 4.40 p.m.)

General HINKS:

Is all quiet below?

BUTLER,

General.