APRIL 11, 1865.

General PATRICK,

Provost-Marshal-General:

I desire only to carry out, and not in any way to impede, the intentions of General Grant respecting the fragments of the Army of the Potomac left behind, as well as all troops placed under my charge. There has been necessarily considerable confusion in the matter, and much difficulty among conflicting orders from different headquarters in deterring the real wishes of the commanding general. From the tenor of the recent despatches and orders I supposed it to be intended to place to Army of the James in charge of the line from Richmond down the James and along the railroad west to some point from which the Army of the Potomac would extend westward. I cannot see why General Collis can better carry out his orders respecting the charge of prisoners by retaining command of the post at City Point; and as the order to me to relieve the garrison at City Point was positive I do not feel at liberty tho continue General Collis in the command any longer. My dispatch of last night, therefore, while it relieves him, leaves him at least equally able to obey any orders of General Meade, as well as makes him responsible for disobedience of them. I make this explanation, general, out of respect to yourself and the opinion expressed by you last night; and I assure you again that my only desire is to obey the orders and carry out the wishes of General Grant.

GEO. L. HARSUFF,

Major-General, U. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS FERRERO'S DIVISION, Petersburg, Va., April 11, 1865.

Bvt. Brigadier General G. H. McKIBBIN,
Commanding First Brigade:

GENERAL: You will relieve the pickets of the Sixth New York Artillery and extend your picket-line to the left, covering from a point near the junction of the City Point and Petersburg Railroad and Grant's Military road, leaving your main force in their present position.

By order of Brevet Major-General Ferrero:

GEO. A. HICKS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FERRERO'S DIVISION, Petersburg, Va., April 11, 1865.

Colonel GEROGE C. KIBBE,
Commanding Second Brigade:

COLONEL: The Sixth New York Heavy Artillery will be stationed at once for the protection of the South Side Railroad and City Point Railroad as follows: One battalion distributed along the City Point Railroad, from the outskirts of Blandford to a point where the Military road connects with the same, with a small force all culverts and bridges, and the remainder at equal distances, patrolling the roads for its protection. Two battalion stationed in the same manner on the South Side to a point half way to Sutherland's Station.

By order of Brevet Major-General Ferrero:

GEO. A. HICKS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.