WAR DEPARTMENT,

Off Fort Fisher, January 16, 1865.

Brigadier General N. M. CURTIS, U. S. Volunteers:

SIR: You are hereby informed that, for gallant services in the capture of Fort Fisher, the President of the United States has appointed you provisionally brigadier-general of volunteers in the service of the United States, to rank as much from the 15th day of January, 1865. Should the Senate advise and consent thereto, you will commissioned accordingly. Immediately on receipt hereof please to communicate to the War department, through the Adjutant-General of the Army, your acceptance or non-acceptance.

By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 16, 1865 - 3.20 p. m.

Major-General SHERIDAN,

Cumberland:

Term of the Ninth Delaware Infantry, guarding prisoners at Fort Delaware, will expire January 23, and it is necessary to replace it with other troops. Have you not dismounted cavalry or some West Virginia regiment that could be sent for that purpose? Please answer early.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, DEFENSES SOUTH OF THE POTOMAC,
Alexandria, Va., January 16, 1865.

Colonel TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: A party of guerrillas were in the vicinity of Springfield Station last night. This morning they fired on the train going out. I telegraphed Colonel Gamble, and sent some cavalry from Alexandria to look after them.

H. H. WELLS,

Colonel and Provost-Marshal-General, Defenses, &c.

HEADQUARTERS PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, DEFENSES SOUTH OF THE POTOMAC,
Colonel GAMBLE,

Commanding First Separate Brigade, Fairfax:

It is reported here that there was a detachment of the enemy in camp on Accotink Run, two miles beyond and to the left of Springfield, about one mile south of the house of Mr. Dodson and about one mile south of Ferdinand Lyles's house.

Respectfully,

H. H. WELLS,

Colonel and Provost-Marshall-General.