burg, disappearing near lead-works, and the remainder moved back into the woods to the rear of the fort. At 9.10 a column of cavalry, numbering about 1,100, came from woods to the right and rear of the fort, passed on the east side of the fort, and disappeared on the road going westward.

FULTON.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. FISHER,

Major and Chief Signal Officer.

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT,
August 27, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The following dispatch from the plank road station is respectfully forwarded:

At 10 a. m. a section of artillery appeared in vicinity of lead-works and moved toward large fort, disappearing in the woods. At 11.15 a. m. a column of cavalry, numbering 600 or 700, came out of woods on the right of fort near Weldon railroad and moved southward on line of Weldon railroad.

H. W. FULTON.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. FISHER,

Major and Chief Signal Officer.

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT,
August 27, 1864.

Major General A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The following intercepted message is respectfully forwarded:

Colonel BRENT,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

A brigade of infantry drawn up in line on Gilliam's farm, left resting on Red Bluff. I think they only camped there for the night. Stragglers constantly passing Broadway road toward City Point; a few passing pontoon to Prince George side. I am led to believe there was a considerable movement of troops during the night. All the tents, except three on or near open space to left of Cobb's, have disappeared.

LATER.-The brigade has taken up line of march toward Petersburg. It is composed of five regiments. Stragglers passing open space going toward Petersburg. It is composed of five regiments. Stragglers passing open space going toward front in Chesterfield. Gun-boat above pontoon.

STILL LATER.-Eleven regiments passing open space, going toward Cobb's from front in Chesterfield. They were followed by nine wagons, guarded by infantry. A new camp near the pontoon has just been struck. Troops coming toward Bermuda Hundred. Thirteen regiments just passed pontoon, going toward Prince George side; think they are the same that passed open space, except two regiments which came from the camp. These troops were followed by fifty-eight ambulances and seventy-one wagons, straggling guards of infantry and cavalry. Four pieces of artillery came from front in Chesterfield; passed open space going toward pontoon. The troops before reported are now passing Broadway road to Petersburg.

R.,

Sergeant at C.

(Same to A. B.)

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. FISHER,

Major and Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac.