[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 31, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel COMSTOCK,

City Point:

The above is the latest report from General Burnside. Show it to Lieutenant-General Grant on his arrival.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
July 31, 1864-6.38 p.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS:

The enemy informed us of their willingness to receive the communication, which was accordingly delivered to one of their company officers, the highest officer seen by Major Lydig, who had charge of the flag. They said it would be impossible to say when an answer would be given us. The flag still continues.

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
July 31, 1864-6.40 p.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS:

The loss in this corps, in the engagement of yesterday, amounts to about 4,500 the great proportion of which was made after the brigade commanders in the crater were made aware of the order to withdraw.

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 31, 1864-7 p.m.

General BURNSIDE:

The commanding general directs that you at once withdraw the flag of truce. When the answer to the communication addressed to General Lee is ready it can then be received under a flag. The commanding general did not anticipate that the flag would be kept out longer than might be necessary to effect an arrangement for the recovery of the wounded or to deliver the letter for General Lee to the officer sent to receive it.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 31, 1864-7.20 p.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE,

Commanding Ninth Corps:

Your dispatch relative to the loss in your corps yesterday is received. The commanding general requests that you will explain the meaning of

45 R R-VOL XL, PT III