GILLMORE'S,

May 17, 1864.

General BUTLER:

I have ordered fatigue parties to work on the entrenchments to-night along my whole front.

Q. A. GILLMORE,

Major-General.

GENERAL GILLMORE'S HEADQUARTERS.

May 17, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER, Commanding:

Would you like to have me push a reconnaissance to the front

to see what is going on there? I sent you report of my picket officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, some time since.

Q. A. GILLMORE,

Major-General.

INTRENCHED LINE, May 17, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER, Commanding:

In accordance with your instructions by telegraph. I have sent a force out to observe the pike and capture any wagon trains of the enemy that may be passing either way.

Very respectfully, yours,

Q. A. GILLMORE,

Major-General.

MAY 17, 1864-5.20 p.m.

Major-General BUTLER:

The following is just received from picket-line:

WARE BOTTOM CHURCH, May 17, 1864-5 p.m.

Lieutenant-Colonel SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Tenth Army Corps:

COLONEL: Up to this time three brigades of rebels have passed toward Petersburg along the turnpike with large wagon trains. They seem to be establishing a picket-line to the river about 2 miles from here. Their cavalry vedettes are at Dr. Howlett's, and within half a mile of us on the left. No movement of troops is visible just at present.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWARD CAMPBELL,

Lieutenant Colonel Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Vols., Commanding Regiment

Very respectfully,

Q. A. GILLMORE,

Major-General.

WARE BOTTOM CHURCH, VA., May 17, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel E. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Tenth Army Corps:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that being on picket with the Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under my command, my lookout discovered a body of the enemy, about a brigade, moving from the direction of Richmond toward Petersburg on the turnpike.