HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS,
September 7, 1864.

Captain W. P. WILSON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Army Corps:

CAPTAIN: In reply to communication* of Major-General Humphreys, chief of staff received at 1.15 a. m., I have the Honor to report that my picket-line is in front of the main line; that the front line from Ames' battery to the Jerusalem plank road is considered the main and only line. The troops withdrawn from there were placed in reserve for the purpose of being moved anywhere that may be necessary. If the chief of artillery of the Second Corps had reported to my headquarters in accordance with the instructions of major-general commanding the corps, the placing of the troops would have been explained to him and would have obviated his report to the chief of artillery of the Army of the Potomac.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. MOTT,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS,
September 7, 1864.

Captain W. P. WILSON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Army Corps:

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report for the information of the major-general commanding that the enemy during the night greatly strengthened his picket-line in my front form the right of the Jerusalem plank road.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. MOTT,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS,
September 7, 1864.

Brigadier General R. De TROBRIAND,

Commanding First Brigade:

GENERAL: The brigadier-general commanding directs the following disposition of your troops: Colonel McAllister will relieve all of your command on the left of the Jerusalem plank road. You will withdraw from the front line, commencing on the right where the Fourth Maine Artillery is stationed, all except a support for your picket-line. You will put a garrison in the small fort near the Norfolk railroad, and take up the second as your line, with the right resting on the railroad. You will proceed immediately to level all of the old works between your main line and the line which you have occupied in front, making banquettes and traverses for the availability and the protection of the troops.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. LOCKWOOD,

Lieutenant and acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*See Humphreys to Hancock, September 6, 7.45 p. m., p. 721.

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