SPECIAL ORDERS,
WAR DEPT. ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Numbers 309.
Washington, September 19, 1864.

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51. Major John Hancock, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, is hereby relieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac, and will report in person, without delay, to the Adjutant-General of the Army for assignment to duty.

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By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CITY POINT, September 19, 1864-12.30 a.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

Your dispatch of 11.40 [p.m. 18th] received. Colonel Gates, who is now with me, reports that he has only thirty-five mounted, which he is now sending out on a reconnaissance. A squadron of cavalry, if it can be spared, would be desirable here.

H. W. BENHAM,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 19, 1864-1 a.m.

Brigadier-General BENHAM,

Commanding at City Point:

Kautz's cavalry are picketing at Sycamore Church and Cocke's Mill and he will move out there in the morning with considerable force to look after the enemy. There is no cavalry that can be sent you.

A. A. HUMPHREYS

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 19, 1864-10 a.m. (Received 10.25 a.m.)

Brigadier-General BENHAM,

Commanding Engineer Brigade, City Point:

The commanding general considers the works at City Point too contracted, and directs that you make the necessary examinations for throwing up an intrenched line, giving considerable more space around the Point for the depots, camps of employes, &c., and submit a project for the necessary works.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.