movements on the Charles City road, where his fires to-night indicate a considerable force. It is a matter of considerable importance to ascertain whether he is moving down the Charles City road.

JNO. W. TURNER,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
In the Field, January 24, 1865.

Colonel WEST:

The general commanding directs me to inform you that the enemy's gun-boats have come down to the obstructions in the river, but have not got round them. You will be prepared for any emergency. Send word to your picket-line to report promptly every movement of the enemy on their front,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. C. WHIPPLE,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to Colonels Spear and Evans.)

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
In the Field, January 24, 1865.

Colonel WEST:

The general commanding directs me to say that you will send out a scouting party, of such strength as you may deem necessary, and ascertain if the enemy are in force in our front, and ascertain their whereabouts. The general directs that you reconnoiter the right of the cavalry line.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. C. WHIPPLE,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to Colonel Evans.)

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
In the Field, January 24, 1865.

Colonel WEST:

The general directs me to inform you that Colonel Evans has sent a scouting party toward White's Tavern, with instructions to reconnoiter up the Charles City road to the intrenchments; the party then to return down that road to the cross-roads, and then by New Market road to come in on our extreme right.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. C. WHIPPLE,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
In the Field, January 24, 1865.

Colonel WEST:

The general commanding directs me to inform you that the communication you received at 8 p. m. was to inform you that Colonel