fatigue party with picks and shovels came from the camps about one mile east of lead-works and disappeared in the rear of Fort Mahone. It numbered about 200.

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

B. F. FISHER,

Colonel and Chief Signal Officer.

WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, December 17, 1864-4 p.m.

Lieutenant DILLINGHAM:

All quiet this p.m. No change observed. The following was intercepted:

8.30

Colonel B[RENT]:

All quite this a. Steamer off Strahan's lower landing.

R.,

Sergeant, at C.

(Same to A. B.)

STEUART'S FRONT-9.30 a.m.

Colonel B[RENT]:

Enemy still hauling abatis from the woods to our right of Battery A and unloading near Battery C. Yesterday p.m. two companies of infantry were drilling behind Battery A. No unusual activity observed this a.m.

R.,

Sergeant, at C.

(Same to A. B.)

12.20 P. M.

Colonel B[RENT]:

One steamer just came up the river and stopped off Strahan's lower landing.

R.,

Sergeant, at C.

(Same to A. B.)

STEAURT'S FRONT-2.30 p.m.

Colonel B[RENT]:

No unusual activity observed during the day. The enemy still hauling abatis to new fort. Dredging machine still at work.

R.,

Sergeant, at C.

(Same to A. B.)

3.30.

Major P.:

Evening report: There have passed in rear of Battery 5, going toward enemy's left, one train of fifteen box-cars and thirty-four wagons. Rear of same battery, going toward City Point, one train of ten box-cars and thirty wagons.

B. C.,

At D.

H. W. HOLMAN,

Sergeant.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, December 17, 1864.

Colonel FISHER, Chief Signal Officer:

To-day small parties of men have been engaged in strengthening works on Boisseau's property. No movements noticed nor change in enemy's lines on this front.

I. THICKSTUN,
Captain and Acting Signal Officer.