HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
In Field, August 17, 1864.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

Commanding, &c.:

We have now on the north side of the James Field's division of Longstreet's corps, Lane's and Conner's brigades of Wilcox's division of Hill's corps, and Mahone's division of same corps, with Bushrod Johnson's old brigade of Beauregard's command. Mahone's division moved across there from our front at Petersburg on Sunday night, making a long detour in order to avoid observation from my signal tower.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

CITY POINT, VA., August 17, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER,

Commanding, &c.:

The fifth Corps commences a movement by our left at 4 a. m. in the morning, with the intention of getting onto the Weldon road, and to take advantage of any weakness that may be discovered in the lines of the enemy. If this should lead to a withdrawal from your front be pre pared to throw al your force at Bermuda into the breach, and I will recall everything from north of the James to reinforce them.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
August 17, 1864-10.40 p. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

Telegram received. The most vigilant watchfulness will be had to ascertain any withdrawal, and the promptest movement made to take advantage of it. Major Ludlow has ;withdrawn without loss from his advanced position near Dutch Gap. The firing you hear is from the gun-boats upon the rams.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HATCHER'S, August 17, 1864-7.30 a. m.

General BUTLER:

The position is stronger than I supposed. It should be held. I have only sufficient to keep up a strong picket-line.

LUDLOW,

Major.

SIGNAL HILL, August 17, 1864.

General BUTLER:

Two gun-boats have opened from above our outer line.

LUDLOW,

Major.