HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
February 16, 1865.

Colonel S. R. JOHNSON,

Engineer, &c.:

General Benning will have the chevaux-de-frise all transported to the desired points this morning. He wishes to be instructed as to the manner of laying it down, and the method of fastening it together. Will you please send an officer of your department to instruct him?

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. LATROBE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS JOHNSON'S DIVISION,
February 16, 1865.

Major R. P. DUNCAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: Brigadier-General Wise reports that the officer of the picket states that there was a great beating of drums in the enemy's camp in the early part of last night, and this morning scarcely any drums were heard; he also states that the trains were running around from the enemy's right to his left, and back again, more than usual all night. Four men from the picket-line of Ransom's brigade deserted; four men from Gracie's (Alabama) brigade deserted to the enemy. Fourteen men from Elliott's (South Carolina) brigade deserted on the nights of the 14th and 15th; the report does not state whether to the enemy. I respectfully report the following casualties: One man wounded in Elliott's (South Carolina) brigade.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. R. JOHNSON,

Major-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 40.
Richmond, February 17, 1865.

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X. Colonel John McAnerney, jr., commanding Third Regiment, Local Defense Troops, will report with his regiment to Brigadier General William M. Gardner, commandant of post, for assignment to guard duty in this city.

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By command of the Secretary of War:

JNO. WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,

February 17, 1865.

Lieutenant General R. S. EWELL,

Commanding Department:

General Longstreet desires me to say that [he] would be glad if you would send the company of negroes he understands has been raised in