as strong a demonstration as you can with your skirmishers. Please endeavor to ascertain more definitely the nature of the works on your left.

Very respectfully, &c.

WM. P. SHREVE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
October 13, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER:

During my absence out on my lines some deserters were forwarded to you. I am told that one of them, from the Eighteenth Georgia, reports that Kershaw's division was to relieve the local defense troops in my front to-day. If Kershaw's division is as near as that, won't it be used against Terry to-day?

G. WEITZEL,

Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
October 13, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

General Paine reports the arrival of one regiment of the enemy, about 250 strong in front of our left and moving toward our right.

Respectfully,

G. WEITZEL,

Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
October 13, 1864 (Received 12.28 p.m.)

Lieutenant Colonel E. W. SMITH:

The following dispatch has just been received from General Paine:

There has been a good deal of firing in the enemy's lines in different places this a.m.; at first sounding like discharging pieces; since more irregular. One regiment just now seemed to be formed in the breast-works; more men than usual are about. Several groups are collected in places.

C. J. PAINE,

Third Division.

G. WEITZEL,

Brevet Major-General

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
October 13, 1864-12. 30 p.m.

Major-General WEITZEL:

What do you make of Paine's dispatch?

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.