frozen over this morning is now clear. The picket-posts have been doubled along that front, and they have received orders to be extremely vigilant.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. B. McLAUGHLEN,

Brevet Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
January 29, 1865.

Colonel BYRON M. CUTCHEON,

Commanding Second Brigade:

COLONEL: The general commanding directs that at such places on the river as the ice is sufficiently strong to bear men, you will double your picket-line; also that you will instruct your pickets to be extremely vigilant during the night. The staff officer of the day will report the condition of the ice on the river within an hour.

I am, colonel, very respectfully,

ROBT. A. HUTCHINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, January 29, 1865-10 p. m.

Major-General ORD:

This Department has knowledge of any understanding by General Grant to allow any persons to come within his lines as commissioners of any sort. You will therefore allow no one to come into your lines under such character or profession until you receive the President's instructions, to whom your telegram will be submitted for his directions.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
January 29, 1865-4.15 p. m.

Major-General ORD,

Commanding Army of the James:

The following dispatch is forwarded to you for your action.*

Since I have no knowledge of General Grant having had any understanding of this kind, I refer the matter to you as the ranking officer present in the two armies.

JNO. G. PARKE,

Major-General, Commanding Army of the Potomac.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
January 29, 1865-7.15 p. m.

Major-General PARKE:

Have referred your telegram up. Tell them to come to-morrow at 10; it is too late to-night.

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General.

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*See Willcox to Parke (received 3.30 p. m.), p. 290.

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