AUGUST 9, 1864-4 p. m.

Colonel SHARPE,

City Point:

Two deserters to-day-one from First Confederate Battalion, Davis' brigade, Heth's division, and one from Tenth Florida, Mahone's division. They confirm the information concerning position that I sent you yesterday. Nothing else important.

J. C. BABCOCK.

PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION,

August 9, 1864-9.30 a. m.

Major B. F. FISHER:

At 9 a. m. a fatigue party of forty-seven men entered the new work in rear of second line and Gregory's house, but battery on our right threw a few shells in and dispersed them; have not yet returned. At 9 a. m. fatigue parties of fifteen, twenty, and twenty-five each marched in direction of Petersburg, entering woods in rear of new work. They continue to work on front line left of Gregory's house. No change of camps.

H. W. FULTON,

Sergeant.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
August 9, 1864.

Major B. F. FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer:

All quiet. Enemy are throwing up a new line of works in rear of the three-gun fort. No other change.

WARTS,

Lieutenant.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
August 9, 1864.

Major B. F. FISHER:

No change or movement this p. m. Five of enemy's officers engaged laying out and staking off ground for a new work about 500 yards to right of Chimneys and in rear of first line of works.

Respectfully,

WARTS,

Lieutenant.

AUGUST 9, 1864-3.15 p. m.

Major FISHER:

The following rebel messages read:

Colonel B[RENT],

No movement of enemy observed this a. m. except their usual drills. They appear to be negro troops. The explosion seems to be near Blockfield, on the Appomattox. I think it was an ammunition boat.

7 R R-VOL XLII, PT II