which is honor has been informed may be expected during the coming night. In addition to the force Brigadier-General Winder has placed at his Excellency's command, Major-General Elzey has been requested to bring into the city two of his battalions. To this request the major-general from Chaffin's Bluff has promptly replied:

The two battalions asked for have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness under arms; but it would be well for His Excellency (the Governor) to apply to the Secretary of War in the mean time for the force under my command. I am inspecting, but will be in the city by sundown.

Accordingly, by direction of His Excellency, I have the honor to ask that the order suggested by General Elzey may be given.

I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. BASSETT FRENCH,

Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.

APRIL 10, 1863-11 a. m.

[General HILL:]

GENERAL: My wagons train will be here from Pungo at 7 p. m., the quartermaster writes me who is in charge of it. Captain Reilly opened on the enemy this morning, but can produce but little effect, except to make him keep close. They returned his fire with four 32-pounders. I trust to God all is going well with you. Let me know what I shall do. My quartermaster at Tranter's Bridge has forage for some four days, after which he says he knows not where to procure it. No recent news from Bath.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. B. GARNETT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Abstract from Field Return of Troops commanded by Major General S. G. French, April 10, 1863.

Present for duty.

Troops. Officers. Men. Aggregate Aggregate

present. present

and

absent.

Forces on 382 5,456 3,744 ..........

Blackwater

..

32nd 19 92 177 251

Virginia

Regiment..

Moseley's 8 146 164 179

artillery

battalion.

.

Sturdivant 4 86 95 101

Battery..

Hargrove 3 76 85 125

Blues..

Detachment 1 23 24 25

cavalry..

Signal 9 143 154 161

Corps..

Camp 15 832 861 920

paroled

prisoners.

.

On duty in 21 55 76 76

hospitals,

Petersburg

..

Grand 462 6,909 8,380 1,838

total..

BURWELL BAY, April 11, 1863.

Major WILLIAM NORRIS,

Chief of Signal Corps:

SIR: I have the honor to report my return from my first trip across the river. There are few Abolitionists on the Peninsula. No addition