HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, July 3, 1864.

Colonel SHAFFER,
Chief of Staff, Headquarters Department of Virginia, &c.:

I am very much in need of cordage for mantlets. Can you not send me some to-morrow? You cannot send too much.

WM. F. SMITH,

Major-General.

BUTLER'S HEADQUARTERS, July 3, 1864.

Major General W. F. SMITH:

The cordage, or mantlets if we have them already made, as I think we have, will be sent as requested.

G. WEITZEL,

Brigadier-General.

[JULY 3, 1864.]

General RAWLINS,

Chief of Staff:

Have you received my communication, through General Butler, concerning the condition of negro troops and battery?

WM. F. SMITH,

Major-General.

CITY POINT, July 4, 1864 - 4 p. m.

(Received 5th.)

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

A deserter who came in this morning reports that Ewell's corps has not returned here, but is off in the Valley with the intention of going into Maryland and Washington City. They now have the report that he already has Arlington Heights and expects to take the city soon. Of course the soldiers know nothing about this force further than it is away from here and north somewhere. Under the circumstances I think it advisable to hold all of the forces you can about Washington, Baltimore, Cumberland, and Harper's Ferry, ready to concentrate against any advance of the enemy. Except from the dispatches forwarded from Washington in the last two days I have learned nothing which indicated an intention on part of the rebels to attempt any northern movement. If General Hunter is in striking distance there ought to be veteran force enough to meet anything the enemy have, and if once put to flight he ought to be followed as long as possible. This report of Ewell's corps being north is only the report of a deserter, and we have similar authority for it being here and on the right of Lee's army. We know, however, that it does not occupy this position.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.