taken. It is the only safe line. If this line cannot be kept open, cannot the line between this city and Richmond via junction of the South Side Railroad be kept open?

G. E. PICKETT,

Major-General.

[36.]

PETERSBURG, May 6, 1864.

General BRAGG,

Richmond, Va.:

Please order General Hagood to communicate with me as soon as he reaches Port Walthall Junctiion.

G. E. PICKETT,

Major-General.

[36.]

PETERSBURG, May 6, 1864.

General BRAGG,

Richmond, Va.:

The following has just been received:

The enemy are in heavy force at Cobb's. About two regiments are stationary and the rest have moved toward the railroad.

HYMAN,

Sergeant, at Chaffin's.

G. E. PICKETT,

Major-General.

[36.]

PETERSBURG, May 6, 1864.

General BRAGG,

Richmond, Va.:

Do you intend holding the railroad between this place and Richmond? I sent General Cooper eight or ten telegrams on yesterday, but received no reply. The enemy will try to cut the railroad to-day, advancing from Bermuda Hundred, I think.

G. E. PICKETT,

Major-General.

[36.]

PETERSBURG, May 6, 1864.

General B. BRAGG,

Richmond, Va.:

GENERAL: I have sent forward Colonel Mercer with his men, 350, to Port Walthall Junction, according to your order this morning. Please send him your particular instructions. I suppose the other part of the brigade which left here last night is now there-3.30 p. m. Have sent a battery of artillery also.

Respectfully, &c.,

G. E. PICKETT,

Major-General.

[36.]

PETERSBURG, May 6, 1864.

General B. BRAGG and

General BEAUREGARD:

Following report just received from scout in the enemy's lines. It is reliable:

My boat has just returned. The river was filled with steamers and schooners all day yesterday. Fully 200 sail went up, carrying at the very lowest estimate 40,000