sergeant of the enemy's pickets. Their camps were in commotion at midnight, expecting an attack. Their picket-line was as strong as ours. My troops are all ready to move in consequence of a telegram received from General Grant.

JOHN GIBBON,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
In the Field, March 25, 1865-10.30 a. m.

Major-General GIBBON,

Commanding Twenty-fourth Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that your troops return to their camp. All quiet along the line. We have reoccupied our lines in front of Petersburg.

THEODORE READ,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
Before Richmond, Va., March 25, 1865-12.30 a. m.

Colonel H. M. PLAISTED,

Commanding Third Brigade:

COLONEL: I am directed by the brigader-general commanding to instruct you to extend you left at daylight, and occupy the space in the line of breast-works caused by the withdrawal of General Turner's troops. You will extend as far as the battery to the right of the New Market road. You will be on the ground sufficiently early to move in as General Turner move out.

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

FRED. A. SAWYER,

Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
Before Richmond, Va., March 25, 1865-12.30 a. m.

Brigadier General CHARLES DEVENS,

Commanding Third Division, Twenty-fourth Army Corps:

GENERAL: By direction of General Gibbon I shall extend my left at daylight as far as the battery to the right of the New Market road, occupying the space caused by the withdrawal of Turner's command. If this extension should not join your right I can send a regiment to fill the gap from my center. Please answer by bearer.

Yours, truly,

R. S. FOSTER,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.