CITY POINT, January 17, 1865.

(Received 6.10 p. m.)

Major-General HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

Your understanding of my orders, as expressed in your dispatch of 2.30 to-day, is correct.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 17, 1865-10 a. m.

Major-General THOMAS,

Eastport, Miss.:

Schofield's corps will come to Washington, instead of Annapolis. Please notify them of the change.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

WASHINGTON, January 17, 1865-11.30 a. m.

Major-General THOMAS,

Eastport, Miss.:

The Secretary of War authorizes you to send to Washington officers and men who distinguished themselves by the capture of flags, &c., in battle. The number should be limited to the most distinguished. They will be sent with General Schofield's corps, and under a commissioned officer, to be responsible for the discipline and order en route.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 17, 1865-3 p. m.

Major-General THOMAS,

Eastport:

Please telegraph as early as possible abut the strength of Schofield's command to come here; also, about the number of batteries of artillery to be supplied here.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Eastport, Miss., January 17, 1865.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Chief of Staff, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

I respectfully recommend and request that the troops now commanded by Major General A. J. Smith be organized as an army corps. Major-General Smith's ability as a corps commander is unquestionable, and the soldierly qualities of his troops entitle them to a corps organization.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.