[Inclosure Numbers 9.]

FORT MONROE, December 10, 1864 - noon.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

Has been blowing a gale ever since we arrived; is clearing up a little. We are all ready waiting for the navy. Any news from Warren or Sherman?

B. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

[Inclosure Numbers 10.]

FORT MONROE, December 11, 1864.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

Gale still continues; clouds just breaking away; all ready and waiting. One of Mulford's steamers justin. Charleston Mercury of December 6 says: "Sherman was reported yesterday at Station Numbers 6 on the Georgia road, about sixty miles from Savannah, making for that city." No other news: have telegraphed this to Secretary of War.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

[Inclosure Numbers 11.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
City Point, Va., December 11, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER,

Fortress Monroe:

Richmond papers of the 10th show that on the 7th Sherman was east of the Ogeechee, and within twenty-five miles of Savannah, having marched eighteen the day before. If you do not get off immediately you will lose the chance of surprise and weak garrison.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

[Inclosure Numbers 12.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
City Point, Va., December 14, 1864 - 10 a. m.

Major-General BUTLER,

Fortress Monroe, Va.:

What is the prospect for getting your expedition started? It is a great pity we were not ten or twelve days earlier. I am confident it would then have been successful. Have you heard from Palmer? The Richmond papers give no account of any Federals on the Roanoke or Weldon road south of Weldon.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

[Inclosure Numbers 13.]

ON BOARD BEN DE FORD,

Fort Monroe, December 14, 1864 - 10.35 a. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

Admiral Porter started yesterday. Transport fleet are at Cape Henry. I am just starting. The weather for the last six days has been such that it would be useless to be on the coast. Expedition left