placing abatis, slashing timber, and making rifle-pits. In the battery on General Griffin's left, built by Major Roebling, of General Warren's staff, embrasures were cut of the revetment and partially revetted with gabions, and excavations for two magazines 12 by 6 were well advanced. In the four-gun siege guns was laid out and commenced last night on General Cutler's right and is progressing very well. Wagons have been employed on siege material, distributing it to points where it is required.

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

G. H. MENDELL,

Captain of Engineers, Commanding Battalion.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 1864-8 a.m.

Captain B. F. FISHER,
Chief Signal Officer:

The following rebel messages received:

3.50 P. M.

Colonel BRENT,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The enemy's boats are more active to-day than usual. One steamer has been plying between Port Walthall and pontoon for an hour.

W. S. L.

(Same to A. B.)

A. B.:

Thirteen ambulances just passed on the E. [East] road above the Broadway road going toward the enemy's front.

V. H. B.

Very respectfully,

THOMAS H. FEAREY,

Second Lieutenant and Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 1864.

Captain FISHER:

A picket detachment of thirty-five men passed from enemy's line in direction of lead-works this a.m. No other movement or change since yesterday.

J. B. DUFF,
Lieutenant and Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The stations report "all quiet" and no movement, excepting at 1 p.m. a battery of four pieces passed toward Petersburg on the road near the Weldon railroad. It was followed by a column of cavalry numbering about 300 men.

I have the honor, general, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. FISHER,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.