of the youngest and most recently promoted; whereas with General Sheridan's army are Torbert, Averell, Merritt, Custer, Devin, Chapman, and McIntosh.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 25, 1864-12.30 p. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

The following report, just received, is forwarded for your information.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION,

September 25, 1864-11 a. m.

Major B. F. FISHER:

At 10.30 a column of infantry, numbering about 3,000 appeared in vicinity of large fort on Weldon railroad, apparently coming from woods west of railroad and southward from large fort, and disappeared on road running west from fort; were twenty minutes in passing.

H. W. FULTON,

Sergeant.

CITY POINT, SEPTEMBER 25, 1864.

Major-General MEADE:

Please send an ambulance to the railroad station for Governor Seward, Mr. Washburne, and General Grant, who leave here for your headquarters in a few minutes.

By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:

E. S. PARKER,

Secretary.

CITY POINT, VA., September 25, 1864.

Major-General MEADE:

Thursday will be the day upon which efforts will be made in the direction indicated in our conversation yesterday. I want a brigade of cavalry, well commanded, to report to General Butler. I think it will be well to start the brigade you select on a scout to-morrow morning to push out east, keeping about the route followed by hampton when on his cattle raid; farther out if they can, and come into the James River, and up to City Point, crossing over to Bermuda Hundred after night. They should ride slowly and preserve their horses, except where they may come upon the enemy. It is not necessary that the cavalry commander should know the object of his reporting to General Butler, or even that he is to report to him until his arrival at City Point.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

64 R R-VOL XLII, PT II