DEEP BOTTOM, July 27, 1864.

(Received 5.40 a. m.)

General MEADE:

GENERAL: My second division in the order of march has not yet crossed the bridge. It is crossing. There was a delay of an hour or less in the march, which is against the commander, not yet accounted for to me. As soon as it is daylight I will see the condition of things, and push the troops ahead as soon as the cavalry is over, or a part of it.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
July 27, 1864-6.35 a. m.

General GEORGE G. MEADE:

I have taken four pieces of artillery and some prisoners, who say they belong to Longstreet's corps, and that there are three brigades here in my front on this side of first creek left. I am making preparations to continue my attack on them; my troops are now advancing.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 27-8 a. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

I forward dispatch just received from General Hancock.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS,
July 27, 1864-7.25 a. m.

Major-General MEADE,

Commanding Army of the Potomac:

The enemy have opened another battery of six guns on my extreme right. This detains me from any advance, although I am feeling my way and trying to attack that battery. My last brigade of infantry is crossing the river and the cavalry will follow immediately. Since all chances of surprise have failed it is a question now whether the cavalry shall endeavor to break through at once or wait until I advance farther up the creek. The guns captured, which I have drawn in, are four 20-pounder Parrotts.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS,
July 27, 1864-7.50 a. m.

General MEADE,

Commanding Army of the Potomac:

The field in which I am engaged is encircled by a belt of woods, the edge of which we hold, with a radius of a mile. The enemy have opened two more guns on my extreme right and rear. The cavalry is now