to be sunk so as to obstruct navigation at a point in the James River above where our gun-boats run, but within reach of their protection, that they may prevent the enemy's removing them should be attempt to do so.

By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:

JNO. A. RAWLINS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

FORT MONROE, June 13, 1864.

Colonel SHAFFER,

Chief of Staff:

By order of General Grant I send all ferry-boats and bridging material to Fort Powhatan, to remain there subject to orders of General Grant, through General Butler or General Meade. I have placed the boats in charge of Captain Lubey, Fifteenth New York Engineers, and Captain Robbins, Fiftieth New York Engineers. Am sending nails, spikes, rope, and lumber. Of the latter hope to get about 200,000 feet off to-day.

HERMAN RIGGS,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Quartermaster.

BERMUDA, June 13, 1864.

Colonel SHAFFER:

We have ready dispatch-boats Winants and Hancox, mail-boat Thomas Powell, steamer Emily, and at City Point Lady Lincoln and Sylvan Shore. Everything else has gone. We have only the barges that make the docks.

C. E. FULLER,

Lieutenant-Colonel, &c.

BERMUDA, June 13, 1864.

General BUTLER:

Colonel Dent, of General Grant's staff, is on his way out to see you on very important business.

C. E. FULLER,

Lieutenant-Colonel.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, June 13, 1864.

Colonel J. W. SHAFFER,
Chief of Staff:

COLONEL: The following dispatch has just been received, and is respectfully forwarded for the information of the commanding general:

SPRING HILL SIGNAL STATION, June 13, 1864-2.10 p.m.

Captain NORTON:

Heavy clouds of dust are seen rising on the road from Petersburg to Spring Hill, apparently caused by the marching of troops.

GARRETT,

Sergeant, Signal Corps.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. B. NORTON,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.