the force between Fort Davis and Fort Alexander Hays could more promptly occupy the line than any other. I have sent a regiment of Mott's out with the rest of the brigade ready of follow; also a section of artillery to the Williams house.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
September 30, 1864.

General S. WILLIAMS:

What troops has Colonel Collis available at headquarters? What number have been sent to Prince George and to the fort on the Norfolk railroad.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 30, 1864-4.30 p. m. (Sent 5.10 p. m.)

Major General W. S. HANCOCK,

Commanding Second Corps:

All of Colonel Collis' troops that are available, some 230 men, went to Prince George Court-House this morning. Two hundred and fifty men of Lieutenant-Colonel Spaulding's engineer troops were also sent this morning to the redoubt on the Norfolk railroad. Lieutenant-Colonel Spaulding has 250 men remaining in camp, and there are about 150 regular engineer troops here. Detachments of cavalry were sent to Prince George Court-House and also to the redoubt on the Norfolk railroad.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 30, 1864-6.50 p. m. (Sent 7.30 p. m.)

General W. S. HANCOCK,

Commanding Second Corps:

Instructions will at once be given to have your wishes respecting the cavalry vedettes of Colonel Collis' command complied with.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 30, 1864-11.50 p. m.

Major-General HANCOCK,

Commanding Second Corps:

General Butler has Hoke's and Field's divisions and part of Pickett's on the north of the James. We had two of Hill's divisions attacking our left this afternoon. This leaves but two divisions of Lee's army to hold his line south of the Appomattox. The commanding general will