CITY POINT, VA., August 31, 1864.

Major-General MEADE:

As soon as it can be done I would like to have a column of cavalry, perhaps supported by infantry would be well, thrown out west from Warren's position to cut off wagon trains carrying supplies into Petersburg. It should be a rapid, sudden dash to gather up all the teams and straggling escorts they could find.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

CITY POINT, VA., August 31, 1864.

Major-General MEADE:

I go this morning to Fort Monroe. Expect to start back this evening.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT,

August 31, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Three rebel deserters, two from Finegan's brigade, Mahone's division, and one form Davis' brigade, Heth's division, just arrived here, and report that they left their picket-line last night. They report no changes in the enemy's lines.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. MCENTEE,

Captain, &c.

HEADQUARTERS,
August 31, 1864 - 10.45 p. m.

Colonel SHARPE:

Deserters from Twenty-fifth Virginia Battalion say that Field's division went to Petersburg last Wednesday, with the exception of one brigade. Deserter from Second Maryland says seventy men for duty in the battalion. Lost 88 men in the assault on the Weldon road. Report no changes on our front. Refugees agree as to hard times in Richmond. Am on the lookout for the ones you wrote about.

FRED. L. MANNING,

Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.

PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION,

August 31, 1864 - 6.40 p. m.

Major B. F. FISHER:

At 10 a. m. 180 men moved from the picket-line in our front, appeared on Weldon railroad, and disappeared west of large fort. The enemy are very active in improving fortifications in our front and left. All quiet.

H. W. FULTON,

Sergeant.