HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
August 20, 1864 - 3.45 p. m.

Major-General PARKE,

Commanding Ninth Corps:

In the event of General Warren being attacked this afternoon have you any troops that you can send to his support? Supports in the line of rear works might be withdrawn in such case.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
August 20, 1864 - 4.30 p. m.

General HUMPHREYS:

In the absence of General Parke on the line I have the honor to reply to your dispatch of 3.45 that Thomas' brigade (colored), Fourth Division, is in reserve.

R. A. HUTCHINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
August 20, 1864 - 3.50 p. m.

Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifth Army Corps:

COLONEL: The officer in charge of my skirmish line reports having advanced about half a mile and still advancing without finding the enemy. They will continue to advance if the line to their left advances. How far is it intended they should go? They have no connection on their right.

Your obedient servant,

ROBERT B. POTTER,

Brigadier-General.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
August 20, 1864 - 7 a. m.

Respectfully referred to General Wilcox for his information.

General Willcox will send a brigade with Major Roebling, aide-de-camp, to establish the picket-line. General Warren thinks it best for