quarters of the Second Brigade, Third Cavalry Division. They left their brigade on the west side of the Norfolk railroad, about four miles from Petersburg. They are unintelligent and possess no information. They state that Hampton's division of cavalry is somewhere in the vicinity of their division, but cannot locate it.

They know of no movements in Lee's army. Two contrabands brought in with them left Petersburg yesterday morning. They came down the railroad as far as Reams' Station, and came into our lines from that point. They know of no troops having been sent away from Petersburg. They possess no military information.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNumbers C. BABCOCK.

[First indorsement.]

Mr. BABCOCK:

It is stated these deserters left their brigade west of "the Norfolk railroad, about four miles from Petersburg." Is not the Weldon railroad meant?

A. A. H.,

Major-General.

[Second indorsement.]

GENERAL: The stenographer made a mistake in copying. It is the Norfolk [Weldon] railroad.

Respectfully,

J. C. BABCOCK.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 21, 1864-8 p. m.

Colonel SHARPE,
Deputy Provost-Marshal-General, City Point:

From deserters received to-day we can learn of no movements whatever in Lee's army. I do not believe Hill's corps has left the trenches at all. Other party not in.

J. C. B.

JULY 21, 1864.

Captain FISHER:

No change in enemy's camps about the city. Lieutenant Bartlett reports this a. m. two trains moving past Port Walthall Junction toward Petersburg with a few passengers aboard.

CHAS. L. DAVIS,

Captain, &c.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, July 21, 1864.

Captain FISHER:

No change this a. m. A train of ten cars, loaded with forage, came out from lead-works a short distance and returned. No movements of troops.

J. B. DUFF,
Signal Officer.