commanding general has ordered two divisions of the Fifth Corps to embark from Wilcox's Landing at daylight. It is expected that the landing will be ready for their use.

RUFUS INGALLS,

Brigadier General and Chief Quartermaster, Army of the Potomac.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 15, 1864.

Brigadier-General PATRICK,
Provost-Marshal-General:

I am directed by the major-general commanding to call your attention to the fact that both yesterday and to-day houses and barns have been burnt in the vicinity of these headquarters to all appearance without the interference of the provost guard to prevent the outrages or to arrest the perpetrators; and to say that with the cavalry at your disposal he expects to see this state of things put a stop to at once.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

JUNE 15, 1864-9.30 a.m.

Captain FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer, Harrison's Landing:

Have seen heavy columns of dust rising on the north side of the James River between Malvern Hill and Chaffin's Bluff. Smith is fighting the enemy within two miles of Petersburg. Another fight is going on due south of signal tower near Port Walthall, six miles distant. All quiet in our front.

NORTON,

Captain.

HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, June 15, 1864. (Received 3 a.m.)

General G. G. MEADE:

Your dispatch* is received, and the gap, in the bridge is now being closed and the bridge will be ready at 1 o'clock. The note to stop boats is already sent to the Atlanta, and I will have officers at each end of the bridge to direct the troops in crossing.

H. W. BENHAM,
Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 15, 1864-7.30 a.m.

Brigadier-General BENHAM, or

Captain MENDELL:

What progress in crossing? Please report from time to time the progress. How does the bridge work?

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

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*See Meade to Benham, 11.30 p.m., 14th, p. 24.

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