HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 30, 1864-4.15 a. m.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

Is there any difficulty in exploding the mine? It is three-quarters of an hour later than that fixed upon for exploding it.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 30, 1864-4.20 a. m.

OPERATOR AT GENERAL BURNSIDE'S FIELD HEADQUARTERS:

Is General Burnside at his headquarters? The commanding general is anxious to learn what is the cause of delay.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 30, 1864-4.35 a. m.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

If the mine cannot be exploded something else must be done, and at once. The commanding general is awaiting to hear from you before determining.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 30, 1864-4.35 a. m.

Major-General BURNSIDE,

Commanding Ninth Corps:

The commanding general directs that if your mine has failed you make an assault at once, opening your batteries.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 30, 1864-5.40 a. m.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

What news from your assaulting column? Please report frequently.

GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.

BATTERY MORTON, July 30, 1864-5.40 a. m.

General MEADE:

We have the enemy's first line and occupy the breach. I shall endeavor to push forward to the crest as rapidly as possible.

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

P. S.-There is a large fire in Petersburg.

W. W. SANDERS,

Captain, &c.

42 R R-VOL XL, PT III