explosion at the obstructions, and the enemy have doubtless blown up the obstruction, and will soon, no doubt, attempt to go down. All now depends on our gun-boats, and means should be ready to place other obstructions. The engineer officer reports thirty feet of water in the draw of the bridge at Varina, and, of course, barges sunk there would do but little good.

JOHN GIBBON,

Major-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
January 24, 1865-8.33 a. m. (Received 8.40 a. m.)

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

The signal officer on Crow's Nest Tower reports that one of the rebel boats which came down this morning was blown up by a percussion shell from Battery Parsons. It is possible this may have been the explosion I reported in my last dispatch as having taken place at the obstructions.

JOHN GIBBON,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
ARMY OF THE JAMES,

In the Field, January 24, 1865-10.55 a. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

City Point:

The signal tower reports one of the rebel rams coming down the river to meet the Onondaga, which is on its way up.

JOHN GIBBON,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
January 24, 1865. (Received 12 m.)

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

Officer reports from Dutch Gap that one monitor and two gun-boats have come up the river and are shelling the rebel gun-boats. The latter reply slowly. One of rebel gun-boats is slowly moving up the river. Has not yet come round the bend. General Gibbon has gone to the river.

ED. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
ARMY OF THE JAMES,

In the Field, January 24, 1865-12.45 p. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

City Point:

General Ferrero reports 12.10 that the rebel gun-boats which were aground have got off and are under the lee of Trent's Reach.

ED. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.