Order By Gen, Hooker

Washington, May 12. The folio wing ordos Lag been issued by Oen. Ifooker . Hkadquautebs Aemï of the PotoMaö, I May tí, 18(i.j. ) GENERAL ORDER NO. 49. "The Maj.-Ocn commandiug tenders this army hia eongratulatioH on the , acïievements for the paat soven days. - j If it has not aceomplished alj that he j expected the reasons are wcll known to the army, " It is sufficient to say tlioy were of a ebaraoter tot to bo forescen ov prevented by human sagacity or resource. In srithdrawing from the south bank of the Kpahanuock boforo delivering a general battle to our adversary, the army has given renewed evidence of Lts confidenoe in itself and its üdelifcy to the principies it representa ; in fightíng at a disadvantage, we would have been recreant to our trust, to ourselvos, our etmse and our country. Profotmdly kiyal and conscious of its strengtk, the Army of the Potomac will give or declino battle whenever its interest or honor may domand. It will also be the guardián of its own history and its own arm. "By our eelerity and socrecy of movement our advaneo and passage of the nver was undisputed, and in our withdrawal not a rebel vontured to follow. - The eveats of the last week may swell with pride tlie hearts of every officer and soldier of this army. We have atfded ncw laurels to its former renown. Yre havo made long marches, crossed rivers, surprised the enemy in hia intrenchments, and whei-everwo have fought we have inflictcd heavier blows than we have received. We have taken from the enemy five thousand prisoners and fifteen colors, captured and brought off seven pieces of artillery, and placed hors du oombat 18,000 of his chosen troops. We have deátroyed his depots filled with vast amouuts of stores, and damaged his communications j captured prisoners withia the fortifications of his capital, and filled his country with fear and consternation. we have no other regret than that caused by the loss of our brave comrades, and in this we are consoled by the conviction that they have fallen in the holiest cause ever subinitted to the arbitrament of battle.