HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
August 24, 1864-8.20 p.m.

Major-General HANCOCK,

Commanding Second Corps, Ream's Station:

Signal officers report large bodies of infantry passing south from their intrenchments by the Halifax and Vaughan roads. They are probably destined to operate against General Warren or yourself-most probably against your operations. The commanding general cautions you to look out for them.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

(Copy to General Warren.)

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
August 24, 1864-11 p.m.

General HUMPHREYS:

Your dispatch is received. The signal officer does not say about how many men he observed, nor the time. If the enemy have sent any considerable force to operate against me, I do not care about separating my forces so far. Rowanty is now reported by citizens to be eight miles from here.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

August 24, 1864-2.30 p.m.

Brigadier-General MOTT,
Commanding Division, Second Corps:

GENERAL: General Ord reports that a body of 5,000 of the enemy have taken up a position in rear of their lines opposite his left division, and he apprehends an attack to-day or to-night. A division of Tenth Corps was ordered yesterday to his support. The commanding general desires you to be vigilant, and to be prepared to co-operate with General Ord, in the event of his being attacked, with any reserved force you may have.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS,
August 24, 1864.

The troops will be formed in the rear line and be prepared for any movement at moment's notice, in accordance with the above. Great vigilance is required.

By command of Brigadier-General Mott:

JOHN HANCOCK,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General:

29 R R-VOL XLII, PT II