trying to rally them without avail. Some are yet in the advance with white regiments who do not retreat. I see many prisoners, whether white or black I cannot say, going to the rebel rear, in numbers greater than we have taken.

The black troops are not doing well, but there are many reasons for their not acting well. They delay has been unfortunate, as undoubtedly the rebels have concentrated troops at that point along their covered way.

Yours, truly,

B. C. LUDLOW,

Major, &c.

JONES' NECK, July 30, 1864.

General WEITZEL:

This a. m., after crossing all the troops except about 150 men, I swung the bridge down stream to the right bank of the river, where it is now anchored. I respectfully suggest that if the bridge is not to be used immediately that it be dismantled and removed to a more secure position than its present situation.

T. LUBEY,

Captain of Engineers.

COBB'S HILL, July 30, 1864-6 a. m.

Captain NORTON:

South 5 degrees west cannonading for the last half hour about five miles distant; also a line of smoke indicating musketry fire. Our shells bursting thickly over and beyond the enemy's lines south 30 degrees west. About one and three-quarters miles distant a house burning.

BARTLETT,

Lieutenant and Signal Officer.

GENERAL: * The firing herein indicated ceased about 7.10 a. m.

L. B. NORTON,

Captain, &c.

SPRING HILL SIGNAL STATION, July 30, 1864-7 a. m.

Captain NORTON:

About 150 cavalry moving past the railroad junction on turnpike toward Richmond.

SIMONS,

Lieutenant and Signal Officer.

SPRING HILL SIGNAL STATION, July 30, 1864-8.15 a. m.

Captain NORTON:

Ten freight and two passenger cars just passed the Junction toward Petersburg.

SIMONS,

Lieutenant and Signal Officer.

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*Weitzel.

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