HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
August 12, 1864.

Captain NORTON:

Two rebel steamers near Dutch Gap with flag of truce.

G. S. DANA,

Captain, &c.

BERMUDA, August 12, 1864.

Colonel SHAFFER:

COLONEL: The U. S. steamer Varuna has just arrived with troops-Seventh U. S. Colored Troops, 750 men, 33 officers, Colonel Shaw commanding. General Birney and staff are on board. I have communicated your orders directing the officer in command of troops to report to Major-General Birney, Tenth Army Corps.

JOHN B. HOWARD,

Lieutenant-Colonel, &c.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER,

August 12, 1864.

Colonel J. W. SHAFFER,

Chief of Staff:

COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports that at 12.30 p. m. a heavy column of dust was seen to the rear of the railroad junction, advancing toward Richmond.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. B. NORTON,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.

HDQRS. DEPT OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER,

August 12, 1864 - 5 p. m.

Colonel J. W. SHAFFER,

Chief of Statt:

COLONEL: The following dispatch has just been received and is respectfully forwarded:

SPRING HILL SIGNAL STATION,

August 1, 1864 - 4.45 p. m.

Captain NORTON:

A train of twenty-two cars, heavily loaded with troops, just passed the Junction toward Richmond.

A. G. SIMONS,

Lieutenant and Signal Officer.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. B. NORTON,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.