column should be kept under cover as much as possible, so as to avoid the fire of the enemy's batteries, and seek cover to all possible extent consistently with a demonstration. At the same time all our batteries should open on the center of the enemy's line. As this movement, if properly timed, should be substantially over, let the troops take nothing but their canteens filled and cartridge-boxes. So much depends on your executive and skill that I forbear making other details the subject of an order.

BENJ. B. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

GENERAL BUTLER'S HEADQUARTERS, August 21, 1864-3.55 p.m.

General BIRNEY;

General Grant telegraphs as follows at 3.40 p.m.:

The operator at General Warren's headquarters this moment, in reply to a question from me, says every attack of the enemy has been repulsed and Warren's position is now stronger than ever.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

GEO. A. KENSEL,

Lieutenant-Colonel,&c.

CITY POINT, August 21, 1864-5.30 p.m.

(Via Butler's headquarters.)

General BIRNEY,

Tenth Army Corps:

Get everything ready as we talked for the movement we spoke of It is approved. We are to move on Petersburg, so we all say. Will be back at once. Let the men take nothing but canteen of coffee and cartridge-box.

B. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

AUGUST 21, 1864-7.15 p.m.

General BIRNEY:

Come over. If you could bring with you Terry and the commanders that are to lead the column it would be better.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

AUGUST 21, 1864-11.40 p.m.

General BIRNEY;

Telegram received. From what you have learned, what is your opinion as to the feasibility of the movement? You can judge better than I, having seen the parties making report.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.