This was about 2 p.m., and the movement is still going on. The infantry was followed by a train of about 100 wagons. A small cavalry force is visible between the movement and James River. The line which I picketed runs from Ware Bottom Church to James River, and the distance of the enemy's troops and trains from it seems about 3 miles.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWARD CAMPBELL

Lieutenant Colonel Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Vols., Commanding Regiment

[First indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
May 17, 1864

Respectfully forwarded for the information of Major-General Butler.

Q. A. GILLMORE.

Major-General.

[Second indorsement.]

MAY 17, 1864-5 o'clock.

Answered, saying that it is undoubtedly a commissary train, and that it would return to-night, and ordered General Gillmore to try and capture them.

J. W. SHAFFER.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS.

In the Field, Hatcher's, Va., May 17, 1864.

Colonel J. W. SHAFFER,
Chief of Staff, Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina:

COLONEL: The First Regiment Connecticut Heavy Artillery. Colonel Abbot commanding, reported for duty during my absence at the front, to the officer in command of the entrenchment in front of my position. I understand this was done by order from department headquarters. I respectfully request information as to the status of this regiment, and whether I am to consider it as belonging to the Tenth Corps, or attached to it.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Q. A. GILLMORE,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
May 17, 1864.

Brigadier-General BROOKS,

Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: The general commanding department has directed that the defensive arrangements along our front be pushed forward with all possible dispatch. You will please have your details for the slashing made out to-night, in order that they may be set to work at an early hour in the morning. Lieutenant Michie, Corps of Engi-