MAY 12, 1864-4 p.m.

General BRAGG:

Have received your second dispatch; have just forwarded it to General Hoke. General Hoke is the field. Two brigades left this place this morning, marching across the pontoon bridge before the boats arrived. Whether they went to Richmond or Chaffin's I don't know.

G. H. TERRETT,

Major, Commanding.

DREWRY'S BLUFF, May 12, 1864-12.10 p.m.

Honorable S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond:

The enemy are immediately in our front and skirmishing has commenced with small-arms. Have just received the following dispatch from the signal station at Gregory's farm: "Two Yankee regiments are moving this way. I will have to cross the river very soon." Major Terrett is in the trenches. I will keep you informed of the situation.

F. MacRAE,

First Lieutenant, C. S. Marine Corps, and Adjt. of Post.

HEADQUARTERS,
Drewry's Bluff, May 12, 1864-3 p.m.

Honorable S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond:

Skirmishing with small-arms and artillery has commenced again along our immediate front.

F. MacRAE,

Firs Lieutenant, C. S. Marine Corps, and Adjt. of Post.

MAY 12, 1864.

Honorable S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of Navy, Richmond:

A dispatch has just arrived to send Hoke's old brigade to Richmond by boats. That brigade has marched from here across the pontoon bridge. This is merely my personal information received from officers of the brigade as they marched by these headquarters.

R. MacRAE,

First Lieutenant, C. S. Marine Corps, and Adjt. of Post.

HEADQUARTERS,
Drewry's Bluff, May 12, 1864.

General BRAGG:

Have received your third telegram; have forwarded it to General Hoke. We have no couriers at our disposition. I have just been informed, unofficially, that the brigade that crossed this morning (General Hoke's old brigade) is coming up to get on the boats.

Respectfully,

F. MacRAE,

Adjutant of Post.

The brigade referred to is just coming up.