CITY POINT, VA., January 19, 1865 - 9.30 a. m.

(Received 2.40 p. m.)

Honorable G. V. FOX,

Assistant Secretary of the Navy:

It will be impossible for Mr. Blair to go through directly to Richmond by water. When he arrives, however, he will be sent through as comfortably and as expeditiously as possible.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

CITY POINT, VA., January 19, 1865 - 5 p. m.

Honorable G. V. Fox,

Assistant Secretary of the Navy:

The flag-of-truce steamer is now in James River. If Mr. Blair arrives during its stay I can send him through to Richmond promptly and comfortably.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C., January 19, 1865 - 7.30 p. m.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,

City Point:

He will leave at 11 a. m. to-morrow, and ought to reach you Sunday p. m. early. Please detain the boat.

G. V. FOX,

Assistant Secretary.

CITY POINT, VA., January 19, 1865.

Major-General MEADE:

At your request the order relieving General Seymour from duty will be revoked. You may deliver to him, however, the order relieving him if it has already been sent him.

By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:

JNO. A. RAWLINS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
January 19, 1865 - 11 a. m.

Brigadier-General RAWLINS,

Chief of Staff:

General Seymour's order was delivered to him last night and all publicity given to the fact of its issue. I cannot but feel gratified at its proposed revocation at my request. If I had not been convinced there was no intention on General Seymour's part to do wrong, I would never have interposed. His letter was wrong, and will be misconstrued. He admits this, but disclaims any design to give such construction. he has already been severely punished, and the publicity given to his order will have a salutary effect on the army.

GEO. G. MEADE.

12 R R - VOL XLVI, PT II