HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
September 5, 1864. (Received 9.15 a. m.)

General HUMPHREYS:

Having occupied the ground in this vicinity so long, I am tolerably familiar with it, and will offer another suggestion, which may save time to engineer officers. At the house marked Widow Smith's on the map is an excellent place for a redoubt. It is in a direct line with the Williams house and redoubt on the Norfolk road, and about half way between, and is in a commanding position. This would complete a chain from Warren's left, making four redoubts in all.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Aiken House, September 5, 1864.

Major-General HANCOCK,

Commanding Second Corps:

The major-general commanding requests that you will take charge of the rear line from and including the Williams house and vicinity to the junction with the old line between the plank road and the Norfolk railroad. The engineer officer engaged upon the work will be directed accordingly and receive your directions.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
September 5, 1864. (Received 3.50 p. m.)

Major General A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

How many of my troops does the general desire moved on to the line referred to?

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

September 5, 1864-8.40 p. m.

Major-General HANCOCK,

Commanding Second Corps:

General Birney will complete the occupation of the second line of his front to-night, holding the first line of intrenchments with pickets only. This may require General Mott to modify his arrangement of troops on his right.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS,
September 5, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

The engineers call for a detail of 2,000 men for work near the Williams house. I have now about 1,300 men at work. My reserve is not