But sometimes they gave useful information.
On the afternoon of the 7th I received news from Washington announcing that Sherman had probably attacked Johnston that day, and that Butler had reached City Point safely and taken it by surprise on the 5th.

I had given orders for a movement by the left flank, fearing that Lee might move rapidly to Richmond to crush Butler before I could get there.
My order for this movement was as follows: HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE U.S., May 7, 1864, 6.30 A.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE, Commanding A.P.
Make all preparations during the day for a night march to take position at Spottsylvania C.H.with one army corps, at Todd's Tavern with one, and another near the intersection of the Piney Branch and Spottsylvania road with the road from Alsop's to Old Court House.

If this move is made the trains should be thrown forward early in the morning to the Ny River.
I think it would be advisable in making the change to leave Hancock where he is until Warren passes him.

He could then follow and become the right of the new line.

Burnside will move to Piney Branch Church.
Sedgwick can move along the pike to Chancellorsville and on to his destination.