HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS,
On Turnpike, May 12, 1864.

General TURNER:

The general commanding desires you to move by the flank along the road upon which you were just after the general left Howlett's house, that is a road perpendicular to the one upon which your troops were. Move along by the flank till you connect with General Weitzel on the turnpike, without, however, unmasking the road upon which your troops moved to Howlett's house.

Respectfully,

N. BOWEN,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

MAY 12, 1864.

General TURNER:

General Smith desires you to withdraw your line. Shall rest the right near Howlett's, to cover the woods at that point, and the left to connect with General Weitzel.

Respectfully, &c.,

N. BOWEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

If you are engaged you will wait till matters quiet before drawing back. Please answer. There is a brigade to spare if it is required.

N. B.

MAY 12, 1864.

General TURNER:

General Smith wishes you send your artillery back to near Howlett's. There is no use for it here.

Respectfully,

N. BOWEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
May 12, 1864.

Brigadier-General TURNER:

GENERAL: Have received your dispatch and am now awaiting orders from General Butler. Hold your line as at present. If you have not covered the road well let me know. Send back your artillery by the road you proposed.

By command of Major-General Smith:

A. H. DUTTON,

Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. THIRD DIV., 18TH ARMY CORPS, Numbers 17.
City Point, Va., May 12, 1864.

I. Colonel Duncan, with two regiments of his brigade, the sections of Battery M and Battery B, artillery, and Captain Dollar's company of cavalry, will at once proceed to a point nearly opposite