HEADQUARTERS,
August 29, 1864 - 3.50 p. m.

Colonel SHARPE,

City Point:

Deserters from Twenty-fifth North Carolina, Bushrod Johnson's division, report Johnson and Hoke before Tenth Corps. Deserter from First Engineers says it is the only engineer regiment in rebel service. Detachments of it are at bridges across the James, remainder encamped near Petersburg. Deserter from Seventh Tennessee says only between fifty and sixty in the regiment. Heard sergeant-major say so. All came in last evening and early this morning. Three refugees brought no news.

FRED. L. MANNING,

Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT,
August 29, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The following dispatch received from plank road station:

At 7.10 a. m. a column of infantry, numbering between 3,000 and 4,000 came from woods in the rear of the large fort near Weldon railroad and went toward Petersburg, disappearing near lead-works. Enemy's line quiet. They continue working on new line of works near Weldon railroad.

FULTON.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. FISHER,

Major and Chief Signal Officer.

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT,
August 29, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following report received from the signal officer at the Jordan house:

AUGUST 29 - 9 a. m.

The enemy are at work intrenching north-northwest from this point, probably with the intention of enfilading the 13-inch mortar. The enemy have just been using a Whitworth gun from a point behind the woods nearly opposite Dow's mortar battery.

CLARK,

Captain.

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

WM. S. STRYKER,

Acting Chief Signal Officer.