HDQRS. DEPT OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL,

In the Field, August 10, 1864 - 7.40 p. m.

Colonel SHARPE,

Deputy Provost-Marshal-General, City Point:

I have received but one deserter thus for to-day. He was from Terry's brigade, of Pickett's division. Pickett's division, with Thomas' and Scales' brigades, remains as heretofore. This man knew nothing about Kershaw's division, whether they were in his rear or not. Richmond papers of to-day announce the capture by our forces and occupancy of Fort Gaines, Mobile Harbor. Another of the forts was blown up by the rebels to prevent its falling into our hands. Nothing to-day from north side of the James.

JOHN. I. DAVENPORT,

Lieutenant, Acting Aide-de-Camp, and Assistant Provost-Marshal.

AUGUST 10, 1864 - 9 a. m.

Captain FISHER:

Parties of enemy at work at various points of old line. A new work is being built in open field to right and rear of Gregory's house.

I. S. LYON,

Lieutenant and Signal Officer.

PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION,

August 10, 1864 - 9 a. m.

Major B. F. FISHER:

Enemy shows some activity in working on fortifications. No movement visible.

H. W. FULTON,

Sergeant.

STATION OF OBSERVATION,

August 10, 1864 - 3.30 p. m.

Major B. F. FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac:

A large column of smoke rising up about the location of Port Walthall Junction; woods on fire in front of Ninth Corps. Steam, as though from an engine, rising in the lower part of the city about the locality of the Lynchburg depot.

CHAS. L. DAVIS,

Captain and Signal Officer.

PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION,

August 10, 1864 - 7.20 p. m.

Major B. F. FISHER:

A new work commenced 23 degrees west of north by edge of woods. Strong fatigue parties in front line of works northwest of station working in considerable force along our whole front. Camps unchanged.

H. W. FULTON,

Sergeant.