saddle for several days. He has notified Brigadier General G. C. Wharton,

upon whom the command devolves, and desires me to communicate the same to you.

I am, Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. STODDARD JOHNSTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[36.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES CONFEDERATE STATES,
Richmond, June 3, 1864--8 a. m.

General R. E. LEE,

Headquarters in the Field:

GENERAL: The following telegram is just received here, viz:

BOTTOM'S BRIDGE, June 3, 1864--6.45 a. m.

General BRAGG:

Arrived here last night. Have the Chickahominy strongly guarded (supposed to mean, "I have the Chickahominy strongly guarded") upon the Richmond side from where General Lee's right rests, upon the other side to Bottom's Bridge, and from that point across to James River. Enemy are not in any force in my front and show no disposition to cross. Butler's troops moved from the White House in the direction of Cold Harbor. Please communicate this to General Lee.

FITZ. LEE,

Major-General.

I am, general, very respectfully,

For General Bragg:

John B. SALE,

Colonel and Military Secretary.

[36.]

JUNE 3, 1864--11.30 a. m.

General R. E. LEE:

GENERAL: I am on Williamsburg road about one mile from Bottom's Bridge. I have the river closely watched from New bridge to Long Bridge, on Chickahominy, and Colonel Robins, who is at Malvern Hill, pickets from Long Bridge to James River. There seems to be quite a force in front of Bottom's Bridge--cavalry, I think. Have sent scouts across to give notice of any move of enemy down Chickahominy. Butler, Gary, and I have some 4,300 men here, with plenty of artillery and a good position.

Most respectfully,

FITZ. LEE,

Major-General.

[36.]

JUNE 4, 1864.

General LEE:

All quiet on my front and left. No indications of an advance. I have sent out scouts, who have not yet returned.

EARLY,

General.

[36.]

JUNE 4, 1864--7 p. m.

General R. E. LEE:

GENERAL: Since my note of 5.30 p. m., it has been ascertained that the enemy has not advanced beyond the line we left last night, a part