which is full all they will number, the total force on the north side of the James is not over 8,500 men, independent of what small reserve militia force is scattered through the country there.

Respectfully,

JOHN I. DAVENPORT,

Lieutenant, Aide-de-Camp, and Asst. Provost-Marshal.

[Indorsement.]

Major-General HANCOCK,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: I have given this in detail that you may examine for yourself. In my opinion there are not 5,000 regular Confederates north of the James and south of Richmond.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
August 13, 1864-7.15 a. m.

Captain NORTON:

Howlett battery has opened. First shot struck near the landing at Dutch Gap.

G. S. DANA,

Captain, &c.

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

August 13, 1864.

Colonel J. W. SHAFFER,

Chief of Staff:

COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports that at 4 p. m. ten cars partly loaded with troops passed the Junction toward Richmond.

Very respectfully, &c.,

L. B. NORTON,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.

(Sent to Lieutenant-General Grant, 5.30 p. m.)

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

August 13, 1864.

Colonel J. W. SHAFFER,

Chief of Staff:

COLONEL: The signal officer on Spring Hill reports that at 5.45 p. m. a heavy column of dust was seen on turnpike advancing toward Richmond.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. B. NORTON,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.