tion. Start in at early dawn in the morning, just as soon as you can see, recollecting that your communication with this position is much exposed. I have ordered Colonel Spear to report to you with his cavalry.

Very respectfully,

G. WEITZEL,

Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
White's Tavern, October 27, 1864-9.15 p.m.

Colonel SPEAR,

Commanding Second Brigade Cavalry:

Report to General Heckman for orders on your move to this point, as he will be delayed a long time, it may be until early dawn, by the darkness and the difficulty of moving wagons.

Very respectfully,

G. WEITZEL.

BUTLER'S HEADQUARTERS, October 27, 1864.

General GRAHAM:

What is the firing which we hear?

ED. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Lieutenant Colonel E. W. SMITH:

The firing is in front of the Second Corps and toward Petersburg.

CHARLES K. GRAHAM.

DARBYTOWN, October 27, 1864-12.42 p.m.

Brigadier-General GRAHAM:

Dispatch received. Feel out and find what the enemy are about. It is important to know. A reconnaissance in force will determine. Be careful. All well here.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

NEAR NEW MARKET ROAD, October 27, 1864-6.15 p.m.

Brigadier-General GRAHAM,

Commanding Bermuda Lines:

At 12.42 to-day I sent you a telegram in answer to one sent me by you that the enemy appeared to be leaving your front to make a reconnaissance in force, and see you have neither acknowledged the dispatch or told me what you have done or learned. Please answer.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.