HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
ARMY OF THE JAMES,

In the Field, Va., October 29, 1864.

Brevet Major-General TERRY,

Commanding Tenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you assume command of the line of intrenchments from the left of your present position to the James River on your right, including Deep Bottom.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ED. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
October 29, 1864.

Colonel E. W. SMITH:

Ames left a part of his force, including his picket-line, out at the Darbytown road until dusk, so that the enemy might not see his withdrawal. His men are all in now. One cavalry officer was somewhat severely wounded. Two of the infantry slightly wounded.

Very respectfully,

A. H. TERRY,

Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
October 29, 1864. (Received 2.45 p. m.)

Lieutenant-Colonel SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Since sending my last dispatch it is reported that the number of men holding the works is a very small squad. I have, therefore, directed General Ames to push one battalion ahead and to delay the march of the rest of the two brigades until I could communicate with you. My impression is that the matter is so trifling that the enemy will fall back as soon as our infantry show themselves, and the cavalry can re-establish their picket-line.

A. H. TERRY,

Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
October 29, 1864 - 2.20 p. m.

Let the brigades of Ames move out, so as to be in supporting distance of West. It is not worth while to take any risks. You do not give the hour of your dispatches.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
October 29, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel ED. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of Va. and N. C.:

Your dispatch is just received. At the same moment General Ames came in from the Johnson house, whither he went to reconnoiter. He

28 R R - VOL XLII, PT III