Yours received saying you should hold position. Order to withdraw countermanded. Acknowledge both.
GEN. HOOKER
BANKS'S FORD, VA.,
May 5, 1863, 2 P.M. (should be 2 A.M.).
MAJOR-GEN. BUTTERFIELD.
Gen. Hooker's order received. Will withdraw my forces immediately.
JOHN SEDGWICK, Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS,
May 5, 1863, 7 A.M.
GEN. BUTTERFIELD.
I recrossed to the north bank of the Rappahannock last night, and am in camp about a mile back from the ford. The bridges have been taken up.
JOHN SEDGWICK, Major-General.
These despatches explain themselves, if read, as is indispensable, with the hours of sending and receipt kept well in mind. No fault can be imputed to either Hooker or Sedgwick, in that the intention of the one could not be executed by the other. The apparent cross-purpose of the despatches is explained by the difficulty of communication between headquarters and the Sixth Corps.