JUNE 23, 1864-8.30 p.m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

Two brigades of Turner's division have passed the pontoon bridge at 8 o'clock. I think I can promise you an advance by Smith taking the hill in his front in the morning.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General

CITY POINT, June 23, 1864-10.15 p.m.

Major-General BUTLER:

I have requested Colonel Biggs to suggest a modification of the schedule time of mail-boats,to secure a connection between your headquarters and Fort Monroe. One daily line can perform the mail service for both armies, and I will try to make it satisfactory to you. The Eighteenth Corps have their mail put up in Washington same as the Army of the Potomac. Should you so order for you headquarters and the Tenth Corps there could be no break in the connection. Until some arrangements are made the mail-boat shall wait for your mails at Fort Monroe or a special shall be put on.

RUFUS INGALLS

Brigadier-General.

JUNE 23, 1864-4.50 p.m.

Captain NORTON:

Lieutenant Bruyn reports having to-day seen the enemy placing a gun in the Howlett house battery and one in the line of works on Chaffin's farm.

CROSS.

Lieutenant and Signal Officer.

JUNE 23, 1864-5.30 p.m.

Captain NORTON:

The enemy have opened all along their line.

CROSS,

Lieutenant.

GENERAL BUTLER'S HEADQUARTERS.

June 23, 1864

Colonel ABBOT:

Please try some of the 4 1/2 [-inch] ammunition as soon as possible, and let me know how it works.

A. MORDECAI,

Captain, &c.

HEADQUARTERS SIEGE ARTILLERY,
June 23, 1864.

Captain MORDECAI, Headquarters General Butler:

I have a large working party on the water battery, where the guns are, and cannot well fire until near sunset, when they leave. I will do so then.

HENRY L. ABBOT.

Colonel First Connecticut Artillery.