JohnSedgwick, Major-General.

Sedgwick’sheadquarters, near Banks’s ford, Va.,
May 4, 1863, 9.45 A.M. 
Gen.  Hooker.

The enemy are pressing me.  I am taking position to cross the river wherever (? whenever) necessary.

J. Sedgwick, Major-General.

Headquartersarmy of the Potomac,
May 4, 1863, 10.30 A.M. 
Gen.  Sedgwick,
Commanding Sixth Corps.

The commanding general directs that in the event you fall back, you reserve, if practicable, a position on the Fredericksburg side of the Rappahannock, which you can hold securely until to-morrow P.M.  Please let the commanding general have your opinion in regard to this by telegraph from Banks’s Ford as soon as possible.

S. Williams,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

Headquartersarmy of the Potomac,
Chancellorsville, Va., May 4, 1863, 11 A.M. 
Major-gen.  Sedgwick.

The major-general commanding directs me to say that he does not wish you to cross the river at Banks’s Ford unless you are compelled to do so.  The batteries at Banks’s Ford command the position.  If it is practicable for you to maintain a position south side of Rappahannock, near Banks’s Ford, you will do so.  It is very important that we retain position at Banks’s Ford.  Gen. Tyler commands the reserve artillery there.

J. H. Van Alen,
Brigadier-General and Aide-de-Camp.

Sixth corps, May 4, 1863, 11 A.M. 
Major-gen.  Butterfield and gen.  Hooker.

I hold the same position.  The enemy are pressing me hard.  If I can hold until night, I shall cross at Banks’s Ford, under instructions from Gen. Hooker, given by Brig.-Gen. Warren.

JohnSedgwick, Major-General.

Sedgwick’s headquarters, May 4, 1863, 11.15 A.M. 
Major-gen.  Hooker.

The enemy threatens me strongly on two fronts.  My position is bad for such attack.  It was assumed for attack, and not for defence.  It is not improbable that bridges at Banks’s Ford may be sacrificed.  Can you help me strongly if I am attacked?

JohnSedgwick, Major-General.

P. S.—­My bridges are two miles from me.  I am compelled to cover them above and below from attack, with the additional assistance of Gen. Benham’s brigade alone. 
                                                J. S.

Headquartersarmy of the Potomac,
Chancellorsville, Va., May 4, 1863, 11.50 A.M. 
Major-gen.  Sedgwick.

If the necessary information shall be obtained to-day, and if it shall be of the character he anticipates, it is the intention of the general to advance to-morrow.  In this event the position of your corps on the south side of the Rappahannock will be as favorable as the general could desire.  It is for this reason he desires that your troops may not cross the Rappahannock.