PETERSBURG, June 17, 1864-12.30.*

General BRAGG:

Enemy in large force, reported to the three corps-Second, Ninth, and Eighteenth-attacked heavily our lines at 6.30 p. m. Affair lasted until 11.30 p. m. Enemy was finally repulsed at all points. Some 300 prisoners and two stand of colors were taken. Losses not yet ascertained.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General.

(Same to General Lee.)

PETERSBURG, June 17, 1864-12.40 p. m.*

General BRAXTON BRAGG:

All quiet at present. I expect renewal of attack in morning. My troops are becoming much exhausted. Without immediate and strong re-enforcements results may be unfavorable. Prisoners report Grant on the field with his whole army.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

(Same to General Lee.)

HDQRS. DEPT. OF N. CAROLINA AND SOUTHERN VA.,
June 17, 1864.

Instructions issued June 17, 1864, for the contraction of lines before Petersburg:

The movement for taking up the positions decided on yesterday morning will commence immediately after dark, a strong line of skirmishers being left on the present lines to cover the movement until its completion. General Hoke's line, commencing at the rive rand in advance of Taylor's Creek, will follow the ditch behind the race-course, afterward crossing the creek and joining General Johnston's left toward the Baxter road.

General Johnston's line will cross the Baxter road nearly at right angles, thence to the Jerusalem plank road, and from that point following the original lines. He will extend as far west as his numbers permit; one of his brigades will be held in reserve about his center at or near the Jerusalem plank road. General Dearing, with his cavalry, will occupy the interval between Johnson's right and the Appomattox and guard the approaches. The movement will be suspended if the operations of the enemy are such as to render it hazardous.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF N. CAROLINA AND SOUTHERN VA.,
June 17, 1864.

Major General B. R. JOHNSTON:

GENERAL: I am instructed by the commanding general to direct you to make the disposition of Elliott's brigade that you propose, and to inform you that the two regiments of Rausom's brigade now under orders from General Gracie's command are ordered to report to you

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*Collateral evidence indicates that the proper date of these dispatches is June 18-12.30 and 12.40 a. m., respectively.

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