WILLIAMSBURG ROAD, May 19, 1864.

General B. BRAGG:

My scouts this mornign reported the Yankee advance gaurd across the Chickahominy, coming up the Williamsburg road. A scout is justin who reports that the nemey's cavalry is now occupying Bottom's Bridge.

J. W. ATKINSON,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

[36.]

WILLIAMSBURG ROAD, May 19, 1864 - 9.30 p. m.

General B. BRAGFG,

Richmond, Va.:

The cavalry scouts have just returned from Bottom's Bridge, and report that the enemy has destroyed that bridge and also fired York River Railroad bridge across the Chickahominy. He then left in the direction of Crump's Cross- Roads. The scout thinks the enemy have gone to Tunstall's Station, designing to rejoin Grant by passing through Hanover County. The railroad communicating with General Lee might also be injured by them on their return. I shall be able to inform you in the morning definitely the route taken by the enemy.

J. W. ATKINSON,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

[36.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 116.
Richmond, May 19, 1864.

* * * * *

XXIV. Colonel Baker, commanding Third Regiment North Carolina Cavalry, now on duty with General G. T. Beauregard, will report immediately with his command to Major General Fitz. Lee, north of Richmond.

* * * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

John WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[36.]

RICHMOND, VA., May 20, 1864.

General R. E. LEE,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: On account of your remarks in relation to the present position of the enemy and his artillery, I have sent for Colonel Gorgas to ascertain whether we had anything which might be of service to you, an learn that he has one Whitworth rifle gun; two 8- inch siege guns, on traveling carriages, and thought to be very effective; one 18-pounder, smooth- bore; five 32-0 pounders, rifled and anded; and that we can bring in from positions on the south side four 20-pounder Parrotts and four 30-pounder Parrotts. If these, or any of these, will be of service to you, they will be furnished.

Very respectfully and truly, yours,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[36.]

RICHMOND, VA., May 20, 1864.

General R. E. LEE:

GENERAL: My telegram of yesterday gve you generally the condition of affairs her, and I now propose to inform you more fully of