HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
August 12, 1864.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

We have caught enough of a signal message to rebel rams to learn that they have a deserter. Message is as follows:

And that they are cutting a canal through. The explosion Tuesday, he says, was a gun-boat.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

CONFIDENTIAL.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

August 12, 1864 - 2 p. m.

Major-General BUTLER:

What is the condition of affairs in front of General Foster? Can a force get out at that point or must it cross below?

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
August 12, 1864 - 3.50 p. m.

Major-General MEADE:

There is no physical difficulty in getting out on Foster's front as well as below; in either case you will meet about three brigades in light rifle-pits.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

P. S. - Have captured General Law's (Alabama) brigade assistant adjutant-general, who says when we took those guns before at Deep Bottom there were but 3,000 men on that side, and, I believe, even more the next day.

B. F. B.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
August 12, 1864 - 4.30 p. m.

Major-General HANCOCK:

The within just received in reply to my inquiry.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
August 12, 1864 - 1.15 p. m.

General BUTLER:

Two flag-of-truce boats of the enemy are at Cox's Wharf loaded with troops. No communication with them yet.

LUDLOW.

Those boats are communicating with Major Mulford as Aiken's.

B. F. BUTLER.