HEADQUARTERS JOHNSON'S DIVISION,
January 16, 1865.

Major DUNCAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: I have the honor to report all quiet in front of this division during the past twenty-four hours. Four men deserted from Wise's brigade last night. The following casualties are respectfully reported, viz: Gracie's brigade, one wounded, mortally.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY A. WISE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SUGAR LOAF, January 16, 1865 - 1 a. m.

General R. E. LEE,

Petersburg:

I am mortified at having to report the unexpected capture of Fort Fisher, with most of its garrison, at about 10 o'clock to-night. Particulars not known.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

(Copies to His Excellency the President, Richmond, and Governor Vance, Raleight.)

RICHMOND, VA., January 16, 1865.

General BRAXTON BRAGG,

Wilmington, N. C.:

Yours of this morning received. The intelligence is sad as it was unexpected. Can you retake the fort? If anything is to be done you will appreciate the necessity of its being attempted without a moment's delay.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

GANDER HALL, January 16, 1865 - 11.30 a. m.

His Excellency the PRESIDENT:

Richmond:

The enemy's enormous fleet alone would destroy us in such an attempt were we unopposed by the land force. The most we can hope to do will be to hold this line. We are accordingly concentrating for that purpose.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

GANDER HALL, January 16, 1865 - 11.30 a. m.

General R. E. LEE,

Petersburg:

The fall of Fisher readers useless our forts below. I am accordingly concentrating on this point and at Fort Anderson, directly opposite, and will endeavor to hold this line. May not be able to save heavy guns from below; in which event a supply will be necessary.

BRAXTON BRAGG. that purpose.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

GANDER HALL, January 16, 1865 - 11.30 a. m.

General R. E. LEE,

Petersburg:

The fall of Fisher readers useless our forts below. I am accordingly concentrating on this point and at Fort Anderson, directly opposite, and will endeavor to hold this line. May not be able to save heavy guns from below; in which event a supply will be necessary.

BRAXTON BRAGG.