and in front of enemy's lines all day, especially p.m. A new embrasure has just been cut bearing about toward my headquarters in second work down the curtain from Fort Harrison.

Respectfully,

C. J. PAINE,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. PROVISIONAL BRIGADE, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA.

October 13, 1864-11.40 a.m.

Colonel E. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters Army of the James:

COLONEL: A rebel deserter has just come in who reports that the enemy is being re-enforced in my front, and that several regiments have come in within a day or two. I have sent the deserter to your headquarters.

Yours, &c.,

J. H. POTTER,

Colonel Twelfth New Hampshire Volunteers, Commanding.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
In the Field, October 13, 1864-8.35 p.m.

Colonel POTTER:

The signal officer on your left reports the enemy have been up in a balloon making observation on your line and signaling to parties below. Keep a sharp lookout and advise me of any movement.

B. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
October 13, 1864.

Colonel POTTER:

I have just sent you the Twelfth New Hampshire. It will be over to-night.

G. WEITZEL,

Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
October 13, 1864.

Brigadier-General KAUTZ,

Commanding Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: It seems to me very desirable to ascertain how far the enemy's intrenchments extend to our right, and whether or not they are on the Charles City road. Cannot your skirmishers between Ames' right and the Charles City road drive in the enemy's skirmishers, so as to determine the location and extent of their works in that quarter? I have ordered Ames to attack, and an advance of your skirmishers will aid him.

Very respectfully,

A. H. TERRY,

Brevet Major-General.