ing of my orders. It can be unloaded faster than it can be put in position, as I do not take the carriages apart. By morning everything not required by General Ord will be here and nearly afloat. Please notify me if this is what you desire.

HENRY L. ABBOT,

Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding Siege Train.

CITY POINT, VA., July 31, 1864.

Colonel ABBOT,

First Connecticut Artillery:

You have done right. General Grant will return during the night, and his further directions will be telegraphed to you in the morning.

T. S. BOWERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
July 31, 1864.

Brigadier-General WEITZEL,

Chief of Staff:

The enemy would not receive flag of truce with prisoner without permission from General Lee. They have sent to him and I am waiting for reply.

D. B. BIRNEY,

Major-General.

Per J. C. B[RISCOE].

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
July 31, 1864.

Major DAVIS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The Confederate officer refused to receive the letter and I have retained the prisoner. My staff officer explained that it was a communication touching the prisoner taken under peculiar circumstances and returning him. Ask the major-general for instructions.

D. B. BIRNEY,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
In the Field, [July 31], 1864.

Major-General BIRNEY:

It is all right. Turner's men are being recalled from the City Point road and will come to you.

ED. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.