further against surprise or confusion in case of sudden attack, the troops will be practiced in taking positions on the part of the lines they are to hold, each regiment and brigade having assigned to it the position it is expected to defend. The First Brigade, Third Division, will remain in reserve till further orders, but details for picket and the trench guards mentioned above will be made from it, as in case of other brigades. Division commanders are charge with the execution of this order, and will made report to these headquarters as soon as the dispositions in conformity therewith are perfected.

By command of Major-General Wright:

R. F. HALSTED,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
February 20, 1865.

Major-General WEBB,

Chief of Staff:

No change along our lines.

JNO G. PARKE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
February 20, 1865. (Received 11.20 a. m.)

Bvt. Major General A. S. WEBB,

Chief of Staff:

Nine deserters have been reported, all from Bushrod Johnson's division. They state that a dispatch was received yesterday to the effect that Columbia was in our possession, our cavalry in Winnsborough; that Charleston was evacuated.

JNO. G. PARKE,

Major-General.

HDQRS. ARTILLERY BRIGADE, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
February 20, 1865.

Bvt. Major General H. J. HUNT,

Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac:

Cooper's Coehorns in Battery 15 opened fire on enemy's workin party erecting new abatis in front of fort on Baxter road. Enemy replied.

J. C. TIDBALL,

Brevet Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
February 20, 1865.

Bvt. Brigadier General N. B. McLAUGHLEN,

Commanding Third Brigade, First Division:

GENERAL: During the absence of Brevet Major-General Willcox the general commanding desires that you take command of the First Division, in virtue of your seniority of rank.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. M. LYDIG,

Assistant Adjutant-General.