improbable that it can escape discovery any great length of time. I would respectfully represent that if the mine is to be exploded the earlier it can be accomplished the more likely it is to be attended with favorable results. The enemy are continually strengthening this portion of their line as well as preparing a second position in its rear.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBERT B. POTTER,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 26, 1864-4.15 p.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE,
Commanding Ninth Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that you send a division to occupy the intrenchments formerly occupied by General Ferrero's division as soon as it is dark, and upon reaching the position that the pickets of General Hancock be relieved at once. The pickets occupy the same line that Ferrero's pickets occupied. The movements of the troops is ordered to take place as soon after dark as practicable, in order to avoid the observation of the enemy.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 26, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I beg to state that each of the divisions of this command are occupying a certain portion of the line. I have put one brigade of the colored troops in last night to occupy a portion of the line that has been held by one of General Willcox's brigades ever since our arrival here. I shall be forced to relieve these men by the same brigade of General Willcox's in order to move the whole of the Fourth Division to the line they formerly occupied, indicated in your dispatch. It will be done as soon as possible after dark.

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

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 26, 1864-5 p.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE,
Commanding Ninth Corps:

The pickets of General Hancock having been withdrawn before the order reached him directing him to retain them until relieved, the commander of the pickets from your troops should have officer with him familiar with the line picketed by Ferrero.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 26, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I beg to state that each of the division of this command are occupying a certain portion of the line. I have put one brigade of been held by one of General Willcox's brigades ever since our arrival here. I shall be forced to relieve these men by the same brigade of General Willcox's in order to move the whole of the Fourth Division to the line they formerly occupied, indicated in your dispatch. It will be done as soon as possible after dark.

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

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 26, 1864-5 p.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE,
Commanding Ninth Corps:

The pickets of General Hancock having been withdrawn before the order reached him directing him to retain them until relieved, the commander of the pickets from your troops should have officers with him familiar with the line picketed by Ferrero.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.