Robert E. Lee to James A. Seddon, June 17, 1864

At 11 o’clock last night took breast-works at Howlett’s house. Other portions of same line were retaken. Pickett’s division now occupies trenches from Howlett’s to front of Clay’s. Field’s division is on the right, but I believe whole of front line not occupied. Battery at Howlett’s is being re-established. Saw five vessels sunk by enemy in Trent’s reach. Enemy made two attacks last night on Beauregard, but were repulsed, with loss—400 prisoners, including 11 commissioned officers captured. He has not entirely recovered his original position. Some fighting has occurred there this morning without result. Have ordered railroad at Port Walthall, destroyed by enemy yesterday, to be repaired and reopened. k. E. LEE, General. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, ftichmond, Va.

CLAY’S HOUSE, June 17, 1864—5 p.m. At 4p. m. assaulted that portion of our front line held by enemy and drove him from it. We again have the entire line from Howlett’s to Dunn’s Hill. Rk. E. LEE, General. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, Richmond, Va.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN Virginia, June 22, 1864.

Sir: Since Frida 7 last there has been skirmishing along the lines in front of Bermuda Hundred and around Petersburg. The Federal army appears to be concentrated at these two places and is strongly intrenched. Yesterday a movement of infantry, cavalry, and artillery was made toward the right of our forces at Petersburg in the direction of the Weldon railroad. The enemy was driven back, and his infantry is reported to have halted. His cavalry have continued to advance upon the road by a route farther removed from our position. The enemy’s infantry was – attacked this afternoon on the west side of the Jerusalem plank road and driven from his first line of works to his second on that road by }eneral Mahone with a part of his division. About 1,600 prisoners, 4 pieces of artillery, 8 stand of colors, and a large number of small-arms were captured.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,