courts-martial to be convened by the commanding officer, the forces under command of Brigadier General Joseph B. Carr, U. S. Volunteers, are hereby designated as a separate brigade.

By command of Major-General Ord:

ED. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
February 6, 1865.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

The signal officer on Crow's Nest Tower states that an orderly from the commander of the picket reports at 7.30 p.m. that the rams are moving down the river.

Very respectfully, &c.,

L. B. NORTON,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
February 6, 1865.

Major-General ORD,

Commanding Department of Virginia:

It has been reported to me that there was a movement on the part of the rams. I have a staff officer out. I will inform you what he reports as soon as he returns.

C. A. HECKMAN,

Brigadier-General.

FEBRUARY 6, 1865-11.50 p.m.

General GRANT,

City Point:

General Heckman reports as follows:

My staff officer has returned. He reports one of the enemy's wooden patrol boats as having passed the grave-yard. He could learn nothing of their rams or any of their other boats.

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
In the Field, February 6, 1865-9.50 p.m.

General HECKMAN,

Commanding Twenty-fifth Corps:

A report comes from Fort Brady that the orderly of the commander of the pickets on that front has come in with a statement that the rams are moving down the river. Direct General Wild to send out scouts to his front to learn if there is any truth in the report, and send me word by courier.

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General Volunteers, Commanding.