live, according to the map, to ascertain the position of the enemy. You will communicate with General Parke, whose position I have informed you of, and co-operate in reconnaissance with him.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
Junction of Varina and New Market Roads,

In the Field, September 30, 1864.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

Commanding, &c.:

A refugee from Richmond, who has been identified by one of my a gents, states that great excitement exists in Richmond, and that the people talk among themselves of endeavoring to have the authorities evacuate the city if possible. To the best of his knowledge and information no troops arrived in the city from Petersburg or otherwise up to 10 p. m. yesterday.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

CITY POINT, VA., September 30, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER:

Indications are that not more than one division of troops have been moved from Petersburg. Reconnaissance might be made toward the Charles City road, and preparations made to move out that way in a day or two if thought advisable, breaking for a time all connection with the river. I do not say this will be advisable, but get such information as you can about roads, &c. meade has moved on the south with two divisions, and sent two more farther east to try and flank the enemy. As soon as anything is reported I will inform you.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

CITY POINT, VA., September 30, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER,

Deep Bottom:

Has anything been heard of Kautz this morning? I begin to feel some uneasiness about him.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
Junction of Varina and New Market Roads,

September 30, 1864-3 p. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

Commanding, &c.:

Kautz has returned and is picketing on our right form the Darbytown road to New market, and is holding the former road in force. He was not able to get through. The enemy here massed on General Birney's