advantage of such an occurrence to bring the remnant of Early's force here, relying upon his ability to get it back to the Valley before Sheridan could fit up and return. In such case he could fall upon either flank as now exposed, and inflict great damage.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS, Junction of Varina and New Market Roads, October 1, 1864-11.55 p. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

Will prepare to take up such line as you propose to-morrow. As General Barnard and Colonel Comstock have been over the ground as well as yourself, please advise me what line to take, as to its extent and advanced posts. Of course it must be a much shorter one than the present.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,
Major-General, Commanding.

CITY POINT, October 1, 1864.

Lieutenant DAVENPORT,

General Butler's Staff:

We think that Hoke and Field have gone up in front of you; that Bushrod Johnson and Mahone hold the line from the Appomattox to the lead-works, and that Heth and Wilcox are on the enemy's right. Can you give us anything to prove or disprove, or can you locate any part of enemy's forces?

SHARPE,

Colonel.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,

Numbers 101.
City Point, Va., October 1, 1864.

I. Brigadier General George H. Gordon, U. S. Volunteers, will report without delay to Major General B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina, for assignment.

* * * * * *

By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:

E. S. PARKER,

Lieutenant Colonel, Military Secretary and Actg. Asst. Adjt. General

OCTOBER 1, 1864-8.30 a. m.

Major-General BIRNEY:

Unless you know some movement of the enemy of which I am not informed which should vary the situation, you will please take two brigades of Terry's division and make a reconnaissance in force up the Darbytown road toward Richmond. You may be able to get through. I inclose an order for General Kautz to co-operate with you if you move, of which please let me know. Also send you a report from General