HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 16, 1864.

General FOSTER:

What has been going on in your front this morning?

W. T. H. BROOKS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS,

Deep Bottom, July 16, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel E. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Tenth Army Corps:

The enemy opened early this morning from a battery of four guns (three rifled and one smooth-bore) on the gun-boat Mendota at the pontoon bridge. The gun-boat was struck several times and I think had some casualties. The bridge is unhurt, but escaped narrowly. My headquarters were shelled without any loss, however, except a horse belonging to one of the staff. The battery is situated on Strawberry Plains, just in the edge of the woods, and completely enfilades the river at this point. They have ceased firing, but I think are still in position. The gun-boat has dropped down the river.

Respectfully, yours,

R. S. FOSTER,

Brigadier-General.

[Indorsement.]

General WEITZEL:

The above just received.

W. T. H. BROOKS.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH CORPS, July 16, 1864.

General FOSTER,
Deep Bottom:

Can't your own guns reach the enemy in their present position?

W. T. H. BROOKS,

Brigadier-General.

BROOKS' HEADQUARTERS, July 16, 1864.

General BUTLER:

At 7 a.m. a rebel battery located in the edge of the woods below Four-Mile Creek opened upon General Foster's camp and the steamer Mendota. Casualties on steamer, 2 killed, 1 officer and 4 men wounded. Firing still going on.

SMITH,

Captain.