old Army officer, expecting to spend his days in the service, and honest administration can better be expected from him than from an untried officer who does not intend to remain in the service. I do not order this selection, but advise it, and would recommend its being made early.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, February 1, 1865-6 p. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

GENERAL: Inquire of any officer of the Army who has ever served with General Vogdes in the field or in garrison his fitness for command, and I am sure you will change your mind. He would bring us into contempt.

E. O. C. ORD,
Major-General.

CITY POINT, VA., February 1, 1865-7 p. m.

Major-General ORD:

Do not give General Vogdes the command of Norfold if you deem him unfit for it. You know him better than I do.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, February 1, 1865-6.20 p. m. (Received 6.25 p. m.)

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT:

I propose ordering at once General Vogdes to relieve General Gordon on the commission; General Gordon to relieve General Shepley; and the latter to report for duty, when the court of which he is president adjourns, to General Weitzel, if you approve.

E. O. C. ORD,
Major-General.

CITY POINT, VA., February 1, 1865.

Major General E. O. C. ORD:

Your dispatch of 6.20 p. m. received. The changes you propose are approved.

By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:

JNO. A. RAWLINS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

CITY POINT, February 1, 1865-6.50 p. m.

Major General E. O. C. ORD:

Major-General Terry, commanding Fort Fisher, says that there are here, besides detachments of regiments and companies with him, two