PETERSBURG, May 5, 1864. (Received 8.30 a.m.)

General S. COOPER:

Following just received from Captain Rhodes, of my staff:

Thirty transports and gun-boats and two double-turreted monitors in sight off City Point, landing or seem to be landing at Bermuda Hundred, and a large party reconnoitering back of Shirley. They seem to have artillery, cavalry, and a large force of infantry.

G. E. PICKETT,

Major-General.

PETERSBURG, May 5, 1864. (Received 11.30 a.m.)

General S. COOPER:

The following written dispatch just received from Evergreen Station, 3 miles below City Point, from Captain N. W. Small, of the Signal Corps, who went down on a reconnaissance:

There are 2 single-turret monitors; 1 double-turret monitor, 3 gun-boats, and about 400 transports in the whole fleet; 2 gun-boats gone up the Appomattox. Each transport will average 500 men. Some of the transports have horses on board. White and negro troops in the expedition. They are landing at City Point, and have hauled down the Confederate flag and raised the Yankee flag.

G. E. PICKETT,

Major-General, Commanding.

PETERSBURG, May 5, 1864. (Received 12.20 p.m.)

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

At 11.15 a.m. five transports stopped at Wilcox's Wharf. Where are the iron-clads?

G. E. PICKETT,

Major-General.

PETERSBURG, May 5, 1864-1 p.m.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

Following dispatch just received:

One steamer gone down the river; two still lying off City Point. Small parties landing at Wilcox's Wharf, 12 m.

G. E. PICKETT,

Major-General.

PETERSBURG, May 5, 1864.

General S. COOPER:

The following dispatch just received from Fort Boykin:

Four monitors, 1 double turret (the Atlanta), 5 gun-boats, 2 iron-clads, 59 transports of different sizes, carrying from 500 to 1,000 troops each, and they are still coming up; also 3 pontoon rafts.

J. R. WOODLEY,

Signal Officer.

I have telegraphed you five times this morning and received no answer. Please answer this.

G. E. PICKETT,

Major-General, Commanding.