Commerce, 250 men; Raritan, 250 men; in all, making transportation for 1,600 men. The steamer Metamora is at Point of Rocks. She can be used for that purpose.

By order:

GEO. S. DODGE,

Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
City Point, Va., June 16, 1864.

Mr. O'BRIEN,

Chief Operator, Hdqrs. Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina:

DEAR SIR: General Grant directs that a line be constructed from these headquarters to General Butler's headquarters, and an office opened here as soon as possible. He also orders the construction of a line from General Meade's headquarters, and as Mr. Caldwell is short of operators, perhaps you have one or two to spare. I think Doren is at work down from Fort Powhatan, but have not heard to-day. Please let me know when you can complete the line to this place, and how you are off for operators.

Yours,

S. H. BECKWITH.

SIGNAL TOWER, Cobb's Hill, June 16, 1864-5 a.m.

Captain NORTON:

One train of thirteen empty cars has just passed toward Richmond. One regiment infantry is seen marching up the turnpike toward Richmond. A train of twenty-one wagons with guard is passing down the pike toward Petersburg. A train of fifteen cars loaded with troops has just passed toward Petersburg.

CRAFT,

Lieutenant, Signal Officer.

JUNE 16, 1864-7.30 a.m.

Captain NORTON,

Signal Officer, General Butler's Headquarters:

Troops crossing Chaffin's farm. What news have you?

G. S. DANA,

Captain, Signal Corps, U. S. Army.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER,

June 16, 1864-8.20 a.m.

Captain G. S. DANA,

Signal Officer, General Terry's Headquarters:

Enemy's pickets are withdrawn from our front. Smith, at 10 p.m. yesterday, was south of Petersburg; had taken part of enemy's intrenchments, 15 guns, and 240 prisoners. Hancock at Harrison's Creek. The enemy are crowding into Petersburg by rail and road.

L. B. NORTON,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.