HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
April 3, 1865-4.05 a.m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

Commanidng Armies of the United States:

General Parke telegraphs that reports from First and Second Divisions, Ninth Corps, indicate the enemy's line as far as developed consists only of skirmishers, and that a heavy explosion occurred a little after 3 a.m. in the heart of Petersburg. General Parke further states that he is ascertaining whether the enemy have retired. I have communicated this information to Generals Ord and Wright, and directed Generals Parke and Wright to push forward strong lines of skirmishers, and use every effort to ascertain the condition of the enemy.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General, Commanding.

MEADE'S HEADQUARTERS,

April 3, 1865-4.40 a.m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

The following dispatch is just received from General Parke:

General Griffin, commanding Second Division, reports 4.20 a.m. that General Collis has taken possession of the entire line of the enemy's works in his front. No enemy appears to be in his front.

JNO. G. PARKE,

Major-General.

(Same to Major-General Ord.)

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

MEADE'S HEADQUARTERS,

April 3, 1865-5.10 a.m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

The Second Brigade, First Division, Ninth Corps, Colonel Ely, is in possession of Petersburg.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

MEADE'S HEADQUARTERS,

April 3, 1865-5.50 a.m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

From both Parke and Wright I have the report no enemy in their front and Petersburg evacuated.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

GRANT'S HEADQUARTERS,

April 3, 1865.

(Received 6.25 a.m.)

General MEADE:

Send General Collis' command immediately back to City Point. Do you hear anything of the condition of the railroad and bridges in Petersburg?

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.