Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 7.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

All quiet yesterday and last night. Scouts report Second corps marched with five days rations; expedition must then be only a division to prevent Early being reinforced.

All quiet here yesterday and last night. No material change reported in enemy's movements or position. Thirty-six wagons and ten ambulances passed this morning on Military road, rear Battery Five, going in direction of City Point.

Have ordered over batteries to open daily for thirty minutes at 2 and 3 A. M., to prevent enemy's concentration of troops for an attack.

Following dispatch just received from General Dearing: “Enemy has driven in my pickets and reserve in front of Yellow House. I am just going up with another regiment. Colonel Taliaferro reports them in force with infantry and cavalry.” Can any cavalry reinforcements be sent him? I have none here.

Enemy reported on railroad at Yellow House, both infantry and cavalry. Be on the alert.

Artillery firing of this morning has developed nothing. General Dearing reported just now “enemy is advancing in force, [347] both upon railroad and Vaughan road.” I have ordered two brigades of infantry to support General Dearing. They must return to-night to their positions.

General Dearing reports having checked enemy's advance at the “Davis house,” where they have formed strong line of battle in his front; he does not think, however, the force more than a few regiments of infantry and one or two of cavalry. I have sent some infantry to his assistance.

General Hill reports that prisoners taken state that two divisions of Fifth corps are on railroad. Has Fifth corps left your front?

Three divisions of enemy reported still in position, fortifying where repulsed last evening near Davis House, on Weldon railroad. I will endeavor to-day to dislodge him with four brigades of our infantry and the division of cavalry you have promised. Result would be more certain with a stronger force of infantry.

Signal station reports just now one brigade of infantry, one hundred wagons and forty-nine ambulances, passing towards our front on Military road, road in rear of Battery Five.

If all the enemy have left, send as many of your brigades as you can spare. If Gregg has left, request Hampton to report to me.

A brigade of cavalry and one of infantry, followed by wagon train, are reported passing in front of our works around Petersburg to our right. Advise General Hampton. These troops are supposed to come from north of James river.

Your telegram received. If enemy's cavalry has left north side, I desire you to move with “Hampton's” division to this point as soon as practicable.

It is reported that enemy's cavalry crossed Weldon railroad at Reams' this evening, and took direction of Dinwiddie Court-house. Raid on Southside and Danville railroads may be contemplated. Be on the lookout for them.

Telegram received. If enemy has reduced his force, send two (2) of your brigades to Petersburg. Telegraph Major Wood, Quartermaster, Richmond, to have cars at Rice's turnout.