HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL,

August 11, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Two deserters from the enemy have just been forwarded - one from the Tenth Florida, Finegan's brigade, Mahone's division, Hill's corps; the other from the First Confederate Battalion, Davis' brigade, Heth's division, Hill's corps. As far as their knowledge extends there has been no change in the position of the enemy's four divisions now on the south side of the Appomattox in the last three or four days. Richmond papers of yesterday had official reports of the evacuation of Fort Powell, in Mobile Harbor, which was blown up by the enemy before falling into our hands. They have no other information of any importance.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. C. BABCOCK,

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT,
August 11, 1864 -1.15 p. m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The following report has just been received from the signal station near headquarters Eighteenth Corps:

A heavy dust seen extending from a point due south of this station along woods in rear of city for about three-quarters of a mile. Column does not uncover at any point; has been passing a given point for fifty-five minutes; many foot soldiers straggling on road running parallel and moving to right. If I can catch sight of column, I will report its nature.

JORDAN,

Sergeant.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

By order:

WM. S. STRYKER,

First Lieutenant and Adjutant Signal Corps.

(Forwarded to General Grant by General Meade.)

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
August 11, 1864 - 6 p. m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The following dispatch is respectfully forwarded:

JORDAN HOUSE STATION.

There has been a movement of cavalry this p. m. with twenty-five wagons and ambulances. They came out of Petersburg in direction of Richmond. It is impossible to tell the number, as they were not well closed up, but think about two small regiments.

CLARK,

Signal Officer.

The station at the Walthall house reports the same movement.

Very respectfully,

B. F. FISHER,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.

Respectfully forwarded to Lieutenant-General Grant.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

8 R R - VOL XLII, PT II