CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,

May 17, 1864.

The major-general commanding desires you to communicate to the troops under your command the following gratifying intelligence, contained in the Richmond papers of to-day: Early yesterday morning General Beauregard attacked the enemy on the south side of James River and drove him from his works, with the loss of more than 1,000 prisoners, including one brigadier-general and several pieces of artillery. The enemy was forced back about 2 1/2 miles, to Proctor's Creek, where he had been again attacked at last accounts.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. M. SORREL,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES,
Richmond, May 17, 1864.

General SAMUEL COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

GENERAL: Please issue order to General Beauregard that as soon as it is ascertained with certainty that the enemy has retired within his intrenchments Major General R. Ransom will return to his command in Richmond.

I am, general, very respectfully,

JNO. B. SALE,

Colonel and Military Secretary.

For BRAGG,

General.

HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES,
Richmond, May 17, 1864.

General SAMUEL COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

GENERAL: Please cause orders to be issued to Major-General Ransom to send as re-enforcement to General Beauregard, Drewry's Bluff, following brigades, viz: Gracie's, Kemper's, commanded by Colonel Terry; and Hoke's old brigade, commanded by Colonel Lewis. Let the order take effect from 14th instant, inclusive.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. B. SALE,

Colonel and Military Secretary.

For BRAGG,

General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 114.
Richmond, May 17, 1864.

* * * * * * *

IV. The following-named brigades will proceed to Drewry's Bluff and report to General G. T. Beauregard, commanding, this order to take effect from the 14th instant, inclusive: Gracie's brigade, Brigadier-General Gracie, jr.; Kemper's brigade, Colonel Terry; Hoke's old brigade, Colonel Lewis.

* * * * * * *