PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, December 16, 1864-3.30 p.m.

Colonel FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer:

At 12 m. 120 men came from west of large fort and disappeared on the

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road running toward our left. At 1.30 p.m. about 100 men came into works northwest of station and scattered along works extending as far to the right as the plank road; have since put up tents. Working parties were reported yesterday, and are very active at all point, hauling wood and repairing quarters; hauling something, apparently railroad iron, from line west of railroad.

A. K. C[AROTHERS],

Sergeant.

FRONT OF FORT HOWARD, December 16, 1864-5.15 p.m.

Colonel B. F. FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer:

No change observed in the enemy's line on this front to-day. Thirteen wagons passed this front and two east on Cox road since last report.

GEO. W. OAKES,

Sergeant, Signal Corps.

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT,
December 16, 1864-8.45 p.m.

Major General G. G. MEADE,

Commanding Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: The following report has just been received from the officer with the Second Corps:

The enemy have been strengthening their lines to-day. To our left of Fort Fisher the picket-pots have ben connect, making a continuous breast-works. They have also been at work on what seems to be a fort on Boisseau's property.

I. THICKSTUN,

Captain.

The accompanying intercepted message are respectfully forwarded.

I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,

B. F. FISHER,

Colonel and Chief Signal Officer.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Walthall House,
December 16, 1864-4 p.m.

Lieutenant STRYKER:

Nothing new to report this p.m.

JORDAN.

5 P. M.

All quiet this p.m. At 4 p.m. smoke was observed from an engine on a road about two miles west of the Richmond and Petersburg road. The engine was moving in nearly a southwest direction and toward the South Side Railroad. I think this is a new road being built there, as smoke for an engine has never been observed there before. The following has been intercepted: