RICHMOND, VA., May 17, 1864.

General R. E. LEE,

Commandng, &c.:

Hanover Junctionis threatened by Sheridan and is unsafe. The supplies there will be brought here if it can be done by mroning. If this cannot be done, shall they be sent to Guiney's, or to what point!

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[36.]

HANCOCK'S HOUSE,

Two Miles and a half north of Walthall Junction,

May 17, 1864 - 11 p. m. (Via Drewry's Bluff.)

President DAVIS;

Whiting's forces joined me at midday. He expressed a desire to bge relieved from command of his temporary division, adn has accordingly returned to the temporarty command of the department. In accordance with your pemission I have assigned Gener L Hill to command this division temporarily, with the understnding that he will apply for orders in the field. I trust this will fully meet your approval. The enemy ahs retired to his lines across the Neck. I have tlegraphed GenerL Bragg as to my position and intention.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General Commanding.

[36.]

DREWRY'S, May 17, 1864.

GenerL BRAGG:

Dispatch received. Reconaissance in direction of Chaffin; 's Bluff ordered.

G. T BEAUREGARD.

[36.]

HANCOCK'S HOUSE,

Two Miles and a half north of Walthall Junction,

May 17, 1864 - 11 p. m. (Via Drewry's Bluff.)

General BRAGG:

The enemy ahs retired to his lines across the Nick. Our forces are in position in his front. His line ofskirmishers will be driven in about daybreak to- morrow. To detemine locationa and strngth of his works, a battery of field rifled pieces ahs been ordered to be constructed at Howlett's to command the James RIer, so as to prevent hi spassage of trasports. The junction with Whiting's forces was made about midday; they formed my right wing.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General.

[36.]

CHAFFIN'S FAMR, May 17, 1864.

General BRAGG,

Richmond, Va.:

Enemy's gun- boats at Cox's Lndling, about two miles from this point.

Skirmishers on the bank of the river.

EPPA HUNTON,

Brigadier-General.

[36.]