HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT,
August 12, 1864.

Major General A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following reports just received:

JORDAN HOUSE - 9.45 a. m.

A column of cavalry has just passed Whitehead's going to our right marching by twos, and forty-five minutes in passing a point; were followed by six ambulances. Straggling cavalry men are constantly passing to our right.

CLARK,

Captain.

NEAR HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS - 9 a. m.

Enemy at work in small squads at different points of line.

LYON,

Lieutenant.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

By order:

WM. S. STRYKER,

First-Lieutenant, Adjutant Signal Corps.

AUGUST 12, 1864 - 9.30 a. m.

Major FISHER:

An hour ago twenty-eight wagons passed toward city on the road to the left of lead-works. Enemy's signal officer reports a company of cavalry crossing pontoon bridge toward Bermuda Hundred.

C. L. DAVIS,

Captain, &c.

AUGUST 12, 1864 - 12.30 p. m.

Major FISHER:

A column of enemy's cavalry, followed by thirty-eight wagons, has just passed a point on Richmond turnpike north 40 degrees west from here, going toward Richmond. The column occupied forty minutes in passing independent of the wagons, and carried at least two battle flags which were visible. Enemy's signal officer reports considerable activity among our shipping off Point of Rocks, and a regiment of cavalry crossing pontoon bridge to this side.

CHAS. L. DAVIS,

Captain, &c.

STATION NEAR GIBBON'S HOUSE,

August 12, 1864 - 6.30 p. m.

Major B. F. FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac:

An unusual amount of stir in enemy's wagon train visible to-day. One train of twenty-three wagons passed a point about three miles west of this station, moving on a road running to enemy's depot of supplies on Petersburg and Richmond Railroad; also, train of nine wagons on same road moving in opposite direction. No further movement

9 R R -VOL XLII, PT II