DREWRY'S BLUFF, May 12, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER C. S. STEAMER BEAUFORT,

Navy-Yard, Rocketts:

Bring down the Beaufort and Drewry; also the Allison and any other boats that forthwith can be found to transport troops from the Bluff to Richmond. Lose not a moment.

JOHN K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Major TERRETT:

Please have above order telegraphed to Richmond.

DREWRY'S BLUFF, May 12, 1864-1.30 p.m.

Colonel W. H. STEVENS:

The engineer company is here under my orders, attending to pontoon bridge and other work. Will send 8 carpenters at once. Removal of obstructions nearly done.

JNO. A. WILLIAMS,

Lieutenant-Colonel of Engineers.

RICHMOND, May 12, 1864-5.10 a.m.

General BEAUREGARD or HOKE:

Your dispatch of yesterday about troops still in North Carolina just now received. You must judge of what is essential to hold our line of railroad. Its safety is vital to us. A portion of Dearing's cavalry will no doubt be necessary to secure Petersburg and Weldon road. That part of South Carolina cavalry which was en route to join Hampton, if with you, should come here.

BRAXTON BRAGG,

General.

DREWRY'S BLUFF, May 12, 1864-11.45 a.m.

General BEAUREGARD,

Petersburg, Va.:

Enemy advanced by new river road, crossing turnpike just ahead of me at 8 a.m. Attached dispatch delivered to me by General Hoke for you. I will come through to-morrow. General Bragg directed me to say he would like to see you in Richmond upon your arrival here.

A. R. CHISOLM,

Aide-de-Camp.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS,
Drewry's Bluff, May 12, 1864.

General BEAUREGARD,

(Through General Bragg, Richmond):

Yankee prisoners state that they captured dispatch from you to me en route from Petersburg.

R. F. HOKE,

Major-General.