of Early confirmed and occupation of Raleigh rumored. Sharp picket-firing with, exchange of artillery shots, took place at daylight this morning in front of Fort Sedgwick. Began by the enemy, who seemed nervous and as if anticipating an attack.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
March 8, 1865-12.20 p.m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

I forward dispatch* just received from Fifth Corps headquarters giving deserters' report of rebel army rumors. By them you will note Early is reported killed and Rosser wounded.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

GENERAL ORDERS,
WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 31.
Washington, March 8, 1865

* * * * *

III. [PUBLIC Numbers 63.]

AN ACT to provide for a chief of staff to the lieutenant-general commanding the armies of the United States.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States may, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint a chief of staff to the lieutenant-general commanding the Armies of the United States, who shall have the rank, pay, and allowances of a brigadier-general in the United States Army.

Approved March 3, 1865.

* * * * *

By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, Numbers 46.
City Point, Va., March 8, 1865.

Brigadier General Israel Vogdes, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby relieved from duty in the Department of Virginia and will report in person without delay to Major General Q. A. Gillmore, commanding Department of the South, for orders. He has permission to take with him Captain McHenry, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers.

By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:

T. S. BOWERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*See Locke to Ruggles, 11.40 a.m. p. 889.

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