HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
Near Spotsylvania Court-House, May 11, 1864 - 8.30 a. m.

We have now ended the sixth day of very heavy fighting. The result to this time is much in our favor. But our losses have been heavy, as well as those of the enemy. We have lost to this time 11 general officers killed, wounded, and missing, and probably 20,000 men. I think the loss of the enemy must be greater, we having taken over 4,000 prisoners in battle, while he has taken but few, except stragglers. I am now sending back to Belle Plain all my wagons for a fresh supply of provisions and ammunition, and propose to fight it out on this if it takes all summer. The arrival of re-enforcements here will be very encouraging to the men, and I hope they will be sent as fast as possible, and in as great numbers. My object in having them sent to Belle Plain was to use them as an escort to our supply train. If it is more convenient to send them out by train to march from the railroad to Belle Plain was to use them as an escort to our supply train. If it is more convenient to send them out by train to march from the railroad to Belle Pain or Fredericksburg send them so. I am satisfied the enemy are very shaky, and are only kept up to the mark by the greatest exertions on the part of their officers, and by keeping them entrenched in every position they take. Up to this time there is no indication of any portion of Lee's army being detached for the defense of Richmond.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Chief of Staff.

NEAR SPOTSYLVANIA COURT-HOUSE,

May 12, 1864 - 6.30 p. m.

The eighth day of battle closes, leaving between 3,000 and 4,000 prisoners in our hands for the day's work, including 2 general officers and over 30 pieces of artillery. The enemy are obstinate and seem to have found the last ditch. We have lost no organization, not even that of a company, whole we have destroyed and captured one division (Johnson's), one brigade (Doles'), and one regiment entire of the enemy.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

Major-General HALLECK,

Washington, D. C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
May 12, 1864. (Received 11.30 p. m., 13th.)

I sent this evening to Belle Pain all the prisoners captured to this time. Please direct the commanding officer there what to do with them.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

Major-General HALLECK,

Washington, D. C.