the alert to guard against a surprise. He also directs that you cause to be examined all deserters that come in your lines to-night at once, and telegraph the result.

ALEX. S. WEBB,

Brevet Major-General and Chief of Staff:

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
February 2, 1865-11.30 p. m.

Bvt. Major General A. S. WEBB,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

I have five deserters from Grecie's brigade; report that Mahone's division and a division of Early's (McGowan's) were under marching orders; supposed destination South Side Railroad. Two pieces artillery were withdrawn from left of Creter last night, and went to our left. Heard nothing of any contemplated attack by them, but expected to receive one. No news from the South.

ROBT. B. POTTER,

Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
February 22, 1865.

Bvt. Brigadier General N. B. McLAUGHLEN,

Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: I am directed do inform you that Major-General Parke is in temporary command of the Army of the Potomac, and that Brevet Major-General Potter has been directed to assume command of the corps.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. S. YOUNGMAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to Brigadier General John. F. Hartranft, commanding Third Division.)

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
February 22, 1865.

Bvt. Brigadier General N. B. McLAUGHLEN,

Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: The brevet major-general commanding desires you to be on the alert to guard against surprise to-night. He directs also that you send all deserters coming in to-night to corps headquarters at once.

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

P. M. LYDIG,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
February 22, 1865.

Colonel SAMUEL HARRIMAN,

Commanding First Brigade:

In accordance with instructions from corps headquarters, you will hold your command with the exception of the following-named regiments,