FEBRUARY 25, 1865-10.30 a. m.

Major General E. O. C. ORD,

Commanding Department of Virginia:

The deserters further say that their commanding officer, Colonel Elliott, Twenty-fifth Virginia Battalion, told the men that they would see the advantages of the evacuation of Petersburg soon.

G. WEITZEL,

Major-General.

FEBRUARY 25, 1865-5.55 p. m.

Major-General WEITZEL,

Twenty-fifth Army Corps:

General Ord directs that you charge your officers and men on picket near the river to keep a close lookout to the rebel rams. Please notify fort Brady also.

JNO. W. TURNER,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

FEBRUARY 25, 1865.

Brigadier-General GRAHAM,

Bermuda Defenses:

General Ord directs that during the continuance of high water that you keep your command extra vigilant.

JNO. W. TURNER,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HDQRS. DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA.,
ARMY OF THE JAMES,

February 25, 1865.

Lieutenant Colonel E. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. Army of the James:

Lieutenant Colonel E. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. Army of the James:

COLONEL: At 9 o'clock this morning three columns of the enemy were moved toward Petersburg. I think they came by railroad from Richmond to the depot in front of our lines. Teams accompanied the columns. The enemy's picket were relieved at 9 a. m. this day.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. K. GRAHAM,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

(Forwarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Bowers, headquarters Armioes of the United States.)

[FEBRUARY 25, 1865.]

Major-General ORD,

Commanding Army of the James:

One of my staff has just visited the picket-line and reports that the rebels have apparently changed the troops they had on the line. They will not exchange papers or communicate in any manner. The rebels beat no tattoo or reveille within last twenty-four hours.

CHARLES K. GRAHAM,

Brigadier-General.