HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS,
June 21, 1864-6.30 p. m.

Captain B. F. FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac:

No change in any position of the enemy's line under view from this station has been discovered to-day. No movements along any of the roads in sight.

I. S. LYON.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 21, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The signal stations along the line report no changes, but great activity upon the part of the enemy in strengthening their position. Batteries proceed with sand-bags. Camp smokes in the woods in the rear of their lines south of Petersburg. I saw a train of cars go out as far as the Port Walthall Junction and then return toward Petersburg.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. FISHER,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT,
June 21, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The following portion of a rebel message, taken to-day, may perhaps locate General Pickett's position-" report to General Pickett at Hancock's house. Order him to keep scouts up the trees near Port Walthall." The enemy were attempting to open signal communication along their line to-day.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. FISHER,

Captain, &c.

[Indorsement.]

Forwarded by telegraph for the information of Major-General Butler.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

JUNE 21, 1864.

Captain FISHER:

I have to-day read a number of messages from enemy's station on custom-house in city of Petersburg. The code used is similar to one captured from enemy more than a year ago. I have only been able to read parts of the messages, and from the tenor of them I judge that the party is the same that has been lately operating on the James river, and that they are endeavoring to open communication from Port Walthall and vicinity to Petersburg and their left. Also that General