established in front of that point for its protection, and also for the protection of the corps train, A deserter from Sixteenth North Carolina Regiment was received last evening. He will be sent up at once.

Respectfully,

S. W. CRAWFORD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
October 14, 1864-4 p.m.

General S. W. CRAWFORD,

Commanding Fifth Corps:

We just heard a gun in the direction of your lines. The commanding general desires to be informed of the cause of the firing. Please answer at once by telegraph, as the general is about leaving camp.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
October 14, 1864. (Received 5 p.m.)

Brigadier General S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

I have ascertained the cause of the explosion to be a shell lying in the road not far from Fort Dushane. A large fire has been raging all day in the timber, and as it spread found this shell in its path.

For Brigadier-General Crawford:

Respectfully,

FRED. T. LOCKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
October 14, 1864-12.20 p.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

We have heard several explosions to the north, northeast of us. Have you heard anything in relation to them?

JNumbers G. PARKE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
October 14, 1864-1.45 p.m. (Sent 1.50 p.m.)

General J. G. PARKE,

Commanding Ninth Corps:

The explosions you allude to we take to be the firing of the gunboats up the river. We have received no information upon the subject, however.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.