HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, BATTALION U. S. ENGINEERS, January 4, 1865.

Bvt. Colonel J. C. DUANE,
Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac:

SIR: I have the honor to report as follows on the condition of the line: The works are in good condition; several need slight repairs, which will be attended to immediately. The infantry line is also in good condition; that to the left of Fort Keene is finished, and the battery is nearly completed; the work is roughly done, but is strong. The abatis is approaching completion, and will be finished this week; it is well fastened down, but is hardly thick enough. I will have it strengthened before leaving it. It is difficult procuring good material. The abatis in front of the Fifth and Sixth Vermont, to the left of Fort Conahey, has been covered with brush and other rubbish, making it of no account. It has been in this condition for the last ten days, and is an evident piece of neglect on the part of the regimental commanders. For the magazine in Fort Howard I shall need 200 feet of lumber.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. W. HOWELL,

First Lieutenant, Corps of Engineers.

[First indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF CHIEF ENGINEER,
January 4, 1865.

Brigadier General S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the within report for the information of the commanding general.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. DUANE,

Major of Engineers and Brevet Colonel, U. S. Army.

[Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 4, 1865.

Respectfully referred to the commanding officer of the Sixth Corps, whose attention is invited to so much of the within report as relates to the condition of the works along the portion of the line held by the Sixth Corps. Please return.

By command of Major-General Parke:

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Third indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, January 6, 1865.

Respectfully returned.

The proper officers have been instructed to see that the abuses complained of are remedied.

H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.