United-States Ford.
My army is hemmed in upon the slope, covered by the guns from the north side of Banks's Ford. If I had only this army to care for, I would withdraw it to-night. Do your operations require that I should jeopard it by retaining it here? An immediate reply is indispensable, or I may feel obliged to withdraw.
JOHN SEDGWICK, Major-General.
BANKS'S FORD, VA.,
May 5, 1863. (Received 1 A.M.)
GEN. HOOKER.
I shall hold my position as ordered on south of Rappahannock.
SEDGWICK.
HEADQUARTERS,
May 5, 1863, 1 A.M. (Received 2 A.M.)
GEN. SEDGWICK.
Despatch this moment received. Withdraw. Cover the river, and prevent any force crossing. Acknowledge this.
By command of Major-Gen. Hooker.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD
HEADQUARTERS,
May 5, 1863, 1.20 A.M.
GEN. SEDGWICK.