fin's Bluff would account for the troops seen going some days since from Petersburg. I am of the opinion the estimate of Early's forces is too low. I should think he had in the Valley nearly 25,000 men.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 10, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following report:

Another train of mine box-cars and two platform-cars has just passed south on the Weldon railroad. The platform-cars seemed to be loaded with material, timber or ties.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. FISHER,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 10, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The officer on station at the plank road did not see any but one train go down the railroad, but from what I could ascertain along the line there have been manifestly several trains that have passed down this morning.

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

B. F. FISHER,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.

JULY 10, 1864.

Captain FISHER:

Intercepted rebel message:

Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General:

No movement of importance visible in enemy's camp about Cobb's. One gunboat and one transport above pontoon bridge and two schooners below it.

(Same to A. B.)

P. S. Very hazy to-day.

CHAS. L. DAVIS,

Captain and Signal Officer.

WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION,

July 10, 1864-4 p.m.

Captain FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac:

Intercepted messages:

Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General:

Thirty-five wagons have passed open space going from enemy's front toward Cobb's.

W. S. L.,

At C.

(Same to A. B.)

9 R R-VOL XL, PT III