HEADQUARTERS,
May 18, 1864-9.15 a.m.

Major-General BIRNEY,

Commanding Third Division:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you occupy the right of the line of rifle-pits terminating near the Scott house, connecting with the First Division in the rifle-pits, and with your picket-line, which is to be well advanced.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. H. MORGAN,

Lieutenant-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
May 18, 1864.

Major-General BIRNEY,

Second Army Corps:

GENERAL: General Burnside requests that a staff officer of your command be sent to these headquarters at 4 o'clock this p.m. A party will leave at that hour to go over the road that is to be followed this night.

Very respectfully your obedient servant,

CHAS. G. LORING,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Assistant Inspector-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
May 18, 1864

Major-General BIRNEY,

Commanding Third Division:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that the timber in front of the position occupied by General Mott and Colonel Blaisdell be felled so as to make the abatis more formidable. He wishes also that as much timber be felled on your right flank as possible.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. H. MORGAN,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
May 18, 1864.

Major General D. B. BIRNEY,

Commanding Third Division:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that when you withdraw you take the position you held yesterday along the rifle-pits near the Landrum house, relieving General Barlow from the rifle-pits. You will be finally withdrawn under General Burnside's orders. This change is made at the instance of General Burnside, who deems his right flank in danger. General Barlow's pickets will not be relieved by you, but the entire picket-line will be relieved under General Burnside's directions.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. H. MORGAN,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.