PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 21, 1864-7 p.m.

Major B. F. FISHER:

Between forty and fifty ambulances passed to our right on Weldon railroad toward Petersburg to-day, and many stragglers passing and repassing on same road. No movements visible since last report. Camps unchanged.

H. W. FULTON,

Sergeant.

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 21, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following rebel signal message, intercepted by the signal officer at the Jordan house:

Colonel BRENT,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Since fog cleared, as far as I can see to left of Cobb's and crossing pontoon and Broadway road, I notice a large number of stragglers passing, going toward Petersburg, which leads me to think that a division or corps must have passed during the night. Two companies of cavalry passed along the Broadway road toward Petersburg. The sharpshooters report the same.

R.,

Sergeant at 114.

(Same to A. B.)

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

WM. S. STRYKER,

Acting Chief Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 1864-10.35 a.m.

COMMANDING OFFICER SECOND CORPS:

In consequence of the bad condition of the roads at this time the commanding general directs that for the present the subsistence supplies required for the troops west of the plank road be packed to them, and that the commanders of such troops make the necessary arrangements for this purpose. Until further orders no salt meat will be issued to the troops west of the plank road. The chief commissary has been directed to provide been on the hoof instead. Please acknowledge.

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to commanding officer Fifth and Ninth Army Corps.)

HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, City Point, Va., August 21, 1864.

Captain H. W. SLOSSON,

Commanding Company D, Fifteenth New York Vol. Engineers:

You will remain until to-morrow morning, with sixty men and your bridge where it now is, with the draw either open or closed, as may be most convenient. The balance of your men will return to this camp