the city of Richmond down to his lines to be tested. Their good behavior would do much to overcome a prejudice existing in the minds of many adverse to their employment as troops.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. LATROBE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
February 17, 1865.

Major-General KERSHAW,

Commanding Division:

General Custis Lee reports that eleven regiments of the enemy's infantry moved up this evening about 5 o'clock from down the river toward Fort Harrison. You will instruct your division to be on the alert.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. LATROBE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to Brigadier-General Benning.)

General Barton will call on you if an attack is threatened on his front, when you will push Corse's brigade round to help him in holding his line.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
February 17, 1865.

Major General G. W. C. LEE,

Chaffin's:

You will direct your division to be on the alert and prepared for an attack at any time. Let General Barton be instructed to have his men thoroughly prepared and to call on General Kershaw for aid if an attack is threatened in his front. General Kershaw has been instructed to help him with Corse's brigade. Acknowledge receipt of this.

O. LATROBE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS JOHNSON'S DIVISION,
February 17, 1865.

Major R. P. DUNCAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: Matters have been as quiet as usual during past twenty-four hours. Twenty men deserted from the Fifty-sixth North Carolina Regiment, Ransom's brigade. It is thought that they are making their way to their homes in North Carolina. I respectfully report the following casualties: Elliott's brigade, one man wounded; Ransom's brigade, one man slightly and one mortally wounded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. R. JOHNSON,

Major-General.