HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 4, 1864.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

Commanding Armies of the United States:

Your two dispatches received. Immediate arrangements will be made to meet the contingency promptly. The lookout at Friend's house reported to-day a column of troops, 2,500 strong, moving on the road from Richmond to Petersburg.

JNO. G. PARKE,

Major-General, Commanding.

CITY POINT, VA., September 4, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

I will be at your headquarters at 10.30 to-morrow (Monday). General Grant wishes me to consult you and Major Duane about a line in our rear.

J. G BARNARD,

Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 4, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: A deserter from Finegan's brigade, who left his picket-line last night, reports no changes within the enemy's lines. He has heard nothing indicating the recent arrival or departure of troops.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. McENTEE,

Captain.

P. S.-There are 110 regiments, or twenty-two brigades, in our front (south of Appomattox River). By general comparison of deserters statements, I judge that these regiments do not average 200 men each.

Respectfully,

J. McE.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 4, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Two deserters from Mahone's division, who left their picket-post this morning about sunrise, just arrived here, and report no changes in the position of the enemy. Law's brigade, of Field's division, is lying in a ravine in rear of Mahone. One of these men has friends in the brigade, and saw them there last evening. They have been lying in that position since General Hancock's fight at Reams' Station, and informant states that while he was with the Fourth Alabama (Law's brigade) last evening they received orders to be ready to march at a moment's notice. Other slight indications that another fight was in prospect induced these men to leave this morning. One