I cannot afford to be without Heintzelman, Kearny, and Hooker in the his effort.

I have satisfactory communications from the gunboat fleet in James River.

They have done an immense amount of work on our right, but seem to be deceived as to our intentions. All looks well.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 24, 1862-11 p.m.

General WILLIAM F. SMITH:

The general commanding wishes you, when Porter commences firing to-morrow, to watch the effect, with your men ready, and if you should see an opportunity by which you think you can with safety advance, to communicate with Porter by signals, telling him where to direct his guns, and also inform him from time to time what effect they produce if you perceive any.

Myer will be directed, if he has not already done so, to establish signal communication with Porter and you. Please inform General Franklin of this, that his division may be ready.

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 25, 1862-10.30 a.m.

General FITZ JOHN PORTER:

Have your command under arms ready to move as circumstances may require.

Fighting still in front of Hooker.

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 25 [?], 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Everything very quiet to-day. I hope to open on enemy's batteries to-morrow morning and to gain important advantages within forty-eight hours-not however bringing us to Richmond, but somewhat nearer, and improving our position. It is again raining, but this will not probably defer movements.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Redoubt Numbers 3, June 25, 1862-5 p.m.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

The affair is over, and we have gained our point fully and with but little loss, notwithstanding strong opposition. Our men have done all