First Brigade was relieved during the night by some of the Richmond City Home Guards. The portion so relieved was picketed by Heth's division. It may have been done to stop desertions.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. MOTT,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
September 8, 1864.

Brigadier General S. WILLIAMS:

I have the honor to report that about 6 a. m. yesterday the enemy advanced a force near the Davis house and drove in the pickets at that point; the reserves were quickly deployed and the enemy as quickly retreated, carrying off with them eleven of our men. Nothing further of importance occurred during the day or night.

G. K. WARREN,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 8, 1864.

Major-General WARREN,

Commanding Fifth Corps:

The following dispatch from signal officer on plank road is sent for your information:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT,
September 8, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following reports just received:

"PLANK ROAD STATION,

"September 8, 1864-8.40 a. m.

"At 8 a. m. a battery of artillery appeared in vicinity of lead-works, moving southward, and disappeared in woods west of large for. Immediately about 800 infantry came from woods north west of large fort, and moved southward on line of Weldon railroad. A few wagons moving westward near lead-works, but could not see the road to distinguish movements of infantry. Camps unchanged.

"FULTON,

"Sergeant."

"AVERY HOUSE, September 8, 1864-9 a. m.

"Parties of enemy at work digging in ditches or saps extending from exploded fort and under enemy's front line. All quiet at other points.

"LYON,

"Lieutenant."

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. S. STRUKER,

Acting Chief Signal Officer.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.