lookouts that the rebels have placed about 5,000 men on certain part of my front which is weak and vulnerable, and as the rebels have had intelligent deserters from my line with detailed information of this weak condition yesterday and the before, I apprehend from this move of theirs an assault may be made by them to-day or to-night.

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
August 24, 1864. (Received 12.45 p. m.)

General BUTLER:

An officer from General Birney is here and says the that General Birney is awaiting orders. I have none to give. Has any been sent.

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
August 24, 1864-1 p. m. (Received 1.30 p. m.)

Major-General ORD:

Your order and that of General Birney went at 11 o'clock to both of you. Have you received it? I have ordered Birney to send you a division at once.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
August 24, 1864. (Received 4 p. m.)

Major DAVIS:

Telegrams relating to General Birney's move and Colonel Howard received All right. From further information I think the enemy are simply replacing reserves in my front. Will General Birney's division get here ion time to have one of mine relieved and cross the Appomattox to-night? I have received no word from him as to his movements.

ORD,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
August 24, 1864.

Major-General BIRNEY:

Will you have enough men here to-night to relieve a division of 2,800 men; if so, what time may I export then?

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General.