HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
September 1, 1864.

Brigadier-General FERRERO,

Commanding Fourth Division:

GENERAL: Major-General Parke having assumed, in the absence of Major-General Meade, the command of the Army of the Potomac, the undersigned respectfully begs to inform you that he has, in compliance with directions of Major General John G. Parke, temporarily assumed command of the Ninth Army Corps.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. B. WILLCOX,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

(Same to Brigadier General R. B. Potter, commanding Second Division, and Brigadier General John F. Hartranft, commanding First Division.)

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 1, 1864.

Brigadier-General GREGG,

Commanding Cavalry, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you concentrate your cavalry during the night (your own division and that of Kautz), leaving such pickets as may be necessary to watch the most important and most exposed points, and at daylight make a sudden and rapid dash upon the enemy's line of communication between Petersburg and Stony Creek Depot for the purpose of captures as you make to your present position before the enemy can collect a largely superior force against you. This line of communication is the Boydton plank road or the road west of it. You should leave our lines somewhere near the Perkins house. General Warren is directed to have Ayres' division of infantry ready to support you at daylight, the commander of which will be instructed to report to you during to-day, and to whom you will give such orders as may be necessary for the efficient execution of the operations you are charged with.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS,
September 1, 1864.

General GREGG:

The picket-line of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry is re-established. All quiet in front.

H. C. WEIR,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 1, 1864 - 7 p. m.

Brigadier-General GREGG,

Commanding Cavalry:

General Warren reports at 6 p. m. that two deserters from the Seventh Georgia (Hampton's) have just been brought in. They came in by the Vaughan road. They state that there is but a small