had his headquarters, there is no necessity for keeping more than picket guards in the bottom lands in front. If this is so, it would relieve a large part of your force from under fire and leave them ready to assist any place where they might be required. It would enable you to hold a greater length of line and move the whole of the Army of the Potomac to the left. Please give me your views in this matter.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
June 22, 1864.

Major-General SMITH:

Lieutenant-General Grant directs me to say that General Butler has sent four siege guns, and that if you will telegraph what you need others will be sent you from the siege train so soon as possible.

C. B. COMSTOCK,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS,
June 22, 1864.

Colonel SHAFFER,

Chief of Staff, Hdqrs. Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina:

COLONEL: I have the honor to ask that I may have two rifled batteries sent to me together with two 30-pounders or 4 1/2-inch guns, with ammunition, &c.

Respectfully, &c.,

WM. F. SMITH.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
In the Field, June 22, 1864.

Major-General SMITH:

I have sent you Battery M, Third New York, from Wilson's Wharf, Hinks' division; this is a 10-pounder battery. The commanding general directs me to say that he cannot possibly spare any more artillery from this line, but as the siege train of the Army of the Potomac has arrived he has asked General Grant to supply you with heavy artillery at once.

I am, general, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. SHAFFER,

Colonel and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, Va., June 22, 1864.*

Captain ELDER,

Chief of Artillery, Eighteenth Army Corps:

CAPTAIN: The commanding general directs should the night be obscured or foggy you will have your guns double-shotted with canister and ready to meet any emergency.

I am, captain, very respectfully, yours,

WM. RUSSELL, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*Same instructions repeated June 23.

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