NEAR PETERSBURG, VA., August 20, 1864.

General R. E. LEE, Chaffin's Bluff, Va.:

Dispatches of 1 and 1.45 o'clock just received. Prisoners state that Second Corps has relieved Ninth Corps in the trenches. Signal station reporting movements of troops would seem to confirm this. Every available man who can be spared from trenches has been withdrawn. Shall try attack in the morning with all the force I can spare. I will call on Wilcox for a brigade as instructed.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

NEAR PETERSBURG, VA., August 20, 1864-7 p. m.

General R. E. LEE, Chaffin's Bluff, Va.:

Expect to attack early in the morning. Have already taken one brigade from Hoke and another from Johnson, extending their commands in the lines to utmost. No available force shall be left behind. Am happy to hear of Early's success.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

[AUGUST 21, 1864-For Lee to Seddon, reporting withdrawal of enemy from north side of James River, and engagement on Weldon railroad, see Part I, p. 851.]

RICHMOND, VA., August 20, 1864.

General T. H. HOLMES, Raleigh, N. C.:

The position of enemy on Weldon railroad requires your forces to be in readiness for prompt movement. The force at Wilmington should be increased.

JEFF'S DAVIS.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
August 21, 1864-10 a. m.

Mr. D. H. WOOD, Richmond, Va.:

Have cars at Rice's Turnout as soon as possible to bring two brigades, say 2,000 men, to Petersburg. The troops are now there, or nearly there.

R. E. LEE.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
August 21, 1864-11 p. m.

CHARLES G. TALCOTT,

Danville Railroad, Richmond, Va.:

It is reported that enemy's cavalry crossed Weldon railroad at Reams' this evening and took direction of Dinwiddie Court-House. Raid on South Side and Danville road may be contemplated. Be on the look-out for them.

W. H. TAYLOR,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to Colonel Sandford, superintendent South Side road, Petersburg, Va.)