road. Before doing so, however, I deem it advisable to consult your views, as it is possible, in the ulterior operations of the campaign, the portion, of the road within our lines, and perhaps beyond, amy be considered important. I shall be pleased to have your counsel on the subject at your earliest convenience.

Very respectfully,

JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
June 25, 1864.

Honorable SECRETARY OF WAR,

Richmond, Va.:

SIR: General W. H. F. Lee pursued the enemy's cavalry which advanced along the South Side Railroad. He had a skirmish on the 22nd near Dinwiddie Court-House, and the next day struck their column in flank near blacks and Whites, cutting in two and getting possession of the road by which they were moving toward Nottoway Court-House. The road was held after an engagement which continued from 12 m. until dark, the enemy making repeated attempts to break through and rejoin his advance. He withdrew from General Lee's front at daylight on the 24th, leaving his dead and wounded on the field, taking the road to Hungarytown and Keysville. General Lee is still following them.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Numbers 148. Richmond, June 25, 1864.

* * * * * *

XX. Captain T. G. Peacocke, of the british army, will report to General R. E. Lee for assignment to duty as volunteer aide on the staff of Major General E. Pickett. He will be allowed the benefit of the laws in relation to rations and forage for officers in the field.

* * * * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

SAML. W. MELTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
Chaffin's, June 25, 1864-8.30 p. m.

General G. W. CUSTIS LEE:

GENERAL: Beauregard reports movements of enemy indicating that he may be drawing toward James River. Keep a good lookout and give early information of his crossing. Inform Generals Heth and Hampton and tell them to remain until our information is more definite, and try to get intelligence of enemy crossing to north side.

R. E. LEE,

By C. MARSHALL,

Aide-de-Camp.