notice for a scout. They will take three days' rations and same of short forage, ambulances, and each man a good supply of ammunition. Weak men and horses to stay behind.

E. O. C. ORD.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
March 13, 1865-1.50 p.m. (Received 2.20 p.m.)

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

A deserter who left Benning's brigade at 9 this morning brings a report from the rebel camp that Sheridan is within five miles of Richmond and on the north of the city.

JOHN GIBBON,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
March 13, 1865.

General KAUTZ:

The major-general commanding directs that all the cavalry, except enough for two picket-lines, be ready at short notice for a scout, to take three days' rations and short forage, also ambulances, and each man a good supply of ammunition. Weak men and horses to stay behind.

H. B. SCOTT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
Before Richmond, Va., March 13, 1865.

COMMANDING OFFICERS OF BRIGADES, CAVALRY DIVISION:

The colonel commanding the division directs me to inclose herewith a copy of a telegram* just received from headquarters Department of Virginia. He also directs that you hold your command in readiness to march at short notice, with three days' rations for men and three days' short rations of forage for animals. The men will be furnished with sixty rounds of ammunition. You will leave in camp a sufficient number of men and officers for one relief for the men now on picket, and see that the pioneer corps of your command are properly supplied with tools, that they may be in readiness to perform and duty that may be required of them. Ambulances will be furnished from ambulance train. Weak men and horses to be left in camp, and that you report to these headquarters the name of the senior officer of your command that remains in camp for duty.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. C. WHIPPLE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
City Point, March 13, 1865.

General GRAHAM,

Commanding Bermuda Hundred Front:

GENERAL: I am directed by the lieutenant-general to say to you that I will leave this place in a few minutes for your front with important

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*See next, ante.

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