HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
In the Field, July 3, 1864.

General R. S. FORSTER,

Jones' Neck:

How would you like the command of the Third Division (colored) of the Eighteenth Corps?

G. WEITZEL,

Brigadier-General.

JULY 3, 1864.

General WEITZEL:

GENERAL: I am very thankful to you for your kind consideration, but do [not] desire to command colored troops exclusively. I assumed command of this brigade because I was assigned to it, but think I was justly entitled to the command of a division on the Tenth Corps before my junior, unless some fault was found eighth my military capacity.

With assurances of high consideration, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. S. FORSTER,

Brigadier-General.

JULY 3, 1864 - 5.35 p. m.

Captain NORTON:

Lieutenant Bruyn reports two regiments of infantry moving south to the right and rear of Howlett's.

CROSS,

Lieutenant.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
In the Field, July 3, 1864 - 3.55 p. m.

General SMITH:

Have you a 10-inch mortar in position to reach Petersburg? I shall have to-morrow sixty shells filled with an incendiary composition that you can try. I have tried the experiment, and think it a success. I have mounted a 13-inch mortar on a rail-car fitted for the purpose, which will reach City Point to-morrow morning. It works beautifully; recoils on the carriage three inches, on the rail track (free) twelve feet. Have mounted a 30-pounder Parrott on another car, protected by cover bullet and canister proof; this is on a navy carriage. Will be up Tuesday. Have 6,000 8-inch mortar shells at Bermuda; more coming. If you have the 10-inch mortar, will be over to witness firing to-morrow evening. Have sent for combustibles to fill 13-inch shells.

B. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, July 3, 1864.

General BUTLER:

Have no 10-inch mortar, but plenty of room for them.

WM. F. SMITH,
Major-General.