HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
September 5, 1864-4 p. m.

Major DAVIS:

Assistant Adjutant-General:

With the news of Early's advance, my thin lines, and the extended works I am constructing, it would be inexpedient to take any more troops from here, so that if Lieutenant-General Grant did not specially designate a regiment from this corps, you will order Major-General Gibbon to send a regiment to Fort Powhatan temporarily. Otherwise I will have to take fatigue details from line.

D. B. BIRNEY,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
Before Petersburg, Va., September 5, 1864.

Major R. S. DAVIS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: A report has been received that the enemy is massing in General Terry's front; under the circumstances the major-general commanding does not deem it advisable to withdraw the Twenty-second Colored Regiment from the line to-night, but directs that your order a regiment of General Gibbon's command to be sent to Fort Powhatan temporarily. The Twenty-second Regiment will be sent to relieve it as soon as it can safely be withdrawn.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ED. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
September 5, 1864. (Received 7.20 p. m.)

General WILLIAMS:

My corps officer of the day and two brigade commanders report the enemy massing in a ravine before my left center. Indications during the day have been of an increased force in my front.

D. B. BIRNEY,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 5, 1864. (Sent 8 p. m.)

Major-General BIRNEY,

Commanding Tenth Corps:

The major-general commanding desires to know whether your second line is in condition to be occupied, and at what time you propose to occupy it. He also wishes to know whether you have any reserves, and where they are stationed.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.