HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 1864 - 10 p. m.

Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding Ninth Army Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that you be prepared, in the event of an attack by the enemy and his repulse, and follow him up closely, and attack in turn and endeavor to enter his works at the same time he does.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,

July 17, 1864. (Received 10.15 p.m.)

General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff:

Dispatch received and proper precaution will be taken.

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
Before Petersburg, Va., July 17, 1864.

Brigadier General JAMES H. LEDLIE, Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to say that it will be well to have the Thirty-fifth Massachusetts ready to move out in case of necessity, but he does not desire it to be moved unless emergency requires it.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

LEWIS RICHMOND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
Before Petersburg, Va., July 17, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel LEWIS RICHMOND,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Army Corps:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the night has passed without the occurrence of any event of importance on my front, the enemy keeping up a fire of musketry all night, apparently apprehensive of a surprise.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBERT B. POTTER,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.