HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, July 17, 1864 - 8 p. m.

Lieutenant Colonel L. RICHMOND,
Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the position named in my previous report for two guns to defend the ravine in Humphrey's line is ready, and the guns will be put in to-night. Colonel Humphrey will also strengthen and straighten his picket-line, which is not satisfactory to me at present. The rebels continue repairing and strengthening their line.

O. B. WILLCOX,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Petersburg, Va., July 17, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel LEWIS RICHMOND,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Army Corps:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that my men have been constantly employed on fatigue duty for some time past, and that details for large fatigue parties for night work are called for daily. I would, therefore, request that a sufficient time be given them for rest and to clean their arms, &c., before taking part in the proposed assault.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWD. FERRERO,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[First indorsement.]

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

Respectfully referred to Lieutenant-Colonel Loring, assistant inspector-general of the corps, who will please, after communicating in writing with the commanding general of the Fourth Division on this subject, submit a dull report of the fact s in the case to be laid before the general commanding the corps.

A. E. BURNSIDE.

[Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Petersburg, Va., July 19, 1864.

Since the 9th instant the whole command has been constantly at work, day and night, on our own front; at the same time large details have been made for work on other portions of the line. Major-General Warren has this day sent word that the men of the Fourth Division will not hereafter be detailed to work off their own line.

Respectfully returned.

EDWD. FERRERO,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Third indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, INSPECTOR-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT,
Before Petersburg, Va., July 26, 1864.

Respectfully returned to the assistant adjutant-general Ninth Army Corps.

The indorsement of General Ferrero show that the necessity of any immediate action on the within paper on the part of the general com-