HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
October 27, 1864-6.05 a.m.

Major LYDIG,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Army Corps:

A column of rebel troops has been crossing the road for some time, moving to our left in through the brier swamp. Cutcheon's skirmishers are now exchanging shots.

Very respectfully, &c.,

O. B. WILLCOX,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
October 27, 1864.

Major P. M. LYDIG,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Army Corps:

MAJOR: The enemy's skirmishers made a dash on the center of my skirmish line, but were repulsed, and my line is re-established on the old ground. My loss was but three wounded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. B. WILLCOX,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,

October 27, 1864.

Brigade commanders will see that as much slashing is done as possible in front of their works before night as nothing can be accomplished after dark. While the slashing parties are at work the men will be under arms pits. A large number of men are in the rear, getting water, &c. All the men must be kept with their respective regiments ready for any emergency.

By command of Brigadier-General Willcox:

JNumbers D. BERTOLETTE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,

October 27, 1864.

Brigade commanders will see that their troops sleep with their accouterments on, and that one-third of the officers and men are kept on duty and on the alert during the night. The troops will stand to arms is the trenches fifteen minutes before daybreak in the morning, and remain under arms until half an hour after daylight, ready for any emergency. The slashing will be continued in the morning. Care will be taken so as not to draw the fire of the enemy.

By command of Brigadier-General Willcox:

JNumbers D. BERTOLETTE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.