HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION,
August 31, 1864.

Captain WEIR,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Division:

CAPTAIN: I have to report that a force of ten or twelve of the enemy attacked the picket-line, near the Blackwater, of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, but were easily driven off. They were dismounted and seemed to desire to break through the picket-line. They have not been heard of since. Rebel scouts were seen at other points along the line, but they made no attack; otherwise, everything is quiet.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

AUGUST V. KAUTZ,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
August 31, 1864.

Brigadier General G. MARSTON:

GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to inform you that, to protect the navigation on the James River, the lieutenant-general commanding has determined to establish a garrison about the Bereley house, on the north bank, to consist of two companies of infantry, a section of artillery, and one squadron of cavalry. The artillery and infantry for this garrison will be selected by you from the garrison at Fort Pocahontas and Wilson's Wharf. You will render every facility to the engineer officer in charge and move the troops to the new garrison as soon as the works are ready. I am further instructed to inform you [that you] have been placed in command of all the troops on the river east of City Point and west of Fort Monroe, with your headquarters at Wilson's Wharf.

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

R. S. DAVIS,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
In the Field, August 31, 1864. (Received 6.15 p. m.)

Brigadier General G. MARSTON,

Wilson's Wharf:

General Ord directs that you send two companies of infantry early to-morrow morning to Harrison's Landing to take possession there. An engineer officer with a company of engineers will be there to throw up cover for you. There is no enemy there. Telegraph General Ord if you need any transportation. Please acknowledge receipt.

R. S. DAVIS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA,
New Berne, N. C., August 31, 1864.

Captain WILLIAM HOLDEN,

Chief Quartermaster, District of North Carolina:

CAPTAIN: The commanding general directs me to inform you that the negroes for Fort Monroe will commence collecting to-day. Major