JERUSALEM PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION,

October 18, 1864-5.30 p. m.

Major FISHER:

All quiet.

A. K. C[AROTHERS],

Sergeant.

P. S.-Jordan reports nothing new to-day from Avery house. Fifteen wagons were reported moving north from Petersburg. At the Crater men very busy moving back and forth, apparently carrying something, and fresh dirt being thrown up.

THICKSTUN,

Captain.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
October 18, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have the honor to state that the signal officer with the Fifth Corps has condensed the following from the reports from the stations in front of that corps:

The enemy's line of breast-works along the Duncan road, near J. Boisseau's house, has been abandoned, the men in it moving forward about 250 yards to a new line on the right of a heavy work in front of that house, moving the abatis from the old line to front of new one. The enemy's picket-line near the Fisher house was relieved at 5 p. m. by a force of 150 men, and each post has six men in it. The usual number of wagons and horsemen passing on Boydton plank road. Unusually quiet in all the enemy's camps on this front to-day.

DAVIS,

Captain.

The other stations report all quiet this afternoon. The following messages were intercepted:

10.25 A. M.

Colonel B[RENT]:

After my report was sent off last night the following movements were observed: Ten wagons passed going toward Fort Harrison; fifteen going in opposite direction. Three pieces of artillery passed going to front on the north side of the James. This morning, on account of fog, I could make no observations.

R.,

Sergeant, at C.

(Same to A. B.)

1 P. M.

Colonel B.:

Four pieces of artillery drilling in field rear of Battery 5. Ten wagons passed through same field going to City Point.

J. Q. E.

At D.

(Same to A. B.)

I am, general very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. S. STRYKER,

Acting Chief Signal Officer.

SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

Numbers 282.
October 18, 1864.

* * * * *

5. Bvt. Brigadier General E. M. Gregory having reported at these headquarters in compliance with part of Special Orders, Numbers 107, of October 18,