MAY 12, 1864 - 9.40 a. m.

General HUMPHREYS:

My lines nearest the salient of the enemy are reported constantly advancing up to the enemy's works. My orders* are to attack with the bayonet without regard to consequences that may result unfavorably.

G. K. WARREN,

Major-General.

MAY 12, 1864 - 10.05 a. m.

COMMANDING OFFICER FIFTH CORPS:

The major-general commanding infers from the tenor of your dispatches that, in your judgment, your attack will not be successful. Should it fail, make your dispositions to draw in your troops and send them as fast as possible to the support of General Wright and General Hancock.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

FIFTH ARMY CORPS,

May 12, 1864 - 12 m.

General MEADE:

Captain Adams, of Massachusetts squadron of cavalry, sends in a report that the enemy have planted a battery about 2 miles from here on our right and are shelling our troops in that vicinity. As yet the enemy have but one piece of artillery.

A. S. MARVIN, Jr.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

FIFTH ARMY CORPS,

May 12, 1864.

General MEADE:

My cavalry were mistaken and reported my own skirmishers for the enemy's. No indications of the enemy on my right.

G. K. WARREN.

THURSDAY, May 12, 1864 - 12.40 p. m.

Major-General WARREN:

GENERAL: The enemy have posted a battery across the Po to enfilade our line. The house at which General Barlow posted his battery yesterday they have some sharpshooters, but I see no sings of an intention of crossing as yet. Their battery is opposite the Talley house, in low ground.

C. F. ADAMS, Jr.,

Captain, Commanding Cavalry Escorts.

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* See Warren to Griffin, Crawford, and Cutler, 9.30 a. m., pp. 668, 669, 671.

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