HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, November 20, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Three rebel deserters, who left their respective regiments since noon to-day, are from the following commands, viz: Eighth Alabama, Wilcox's brigade; Sixth Virginia, Weisiger's brigade; Sixteenth Mississippi, Harris' brigade. They report no recent changes on enemy's position, nor have they heard of the arrival of any troops, but it was generally reported that Kershaw's division would soon join Longstreet. It was also reported that General Sheridan's troops were arriving here.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. McENTEE,

Captain, &C.

CONFIDENTIAL.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, November 20, 1864.

CORPS COMMANDERS:

Reliable intelligence has been received of the passage through Richmond to Petersburg of Kershaw's division, and as it is not improbable that the enemy may attempt some offensive operation before Sheridan's forces can return, the commanding general desires that every precaution be taken to detect and meet any movement, and that unusual vigilance be observed.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, November 20, 1864-9 a. m. (Received 10.02 a. m.)

Brigadier General S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General:

No changes since last report.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, November 20, 1864-10.30 a. m. (Received 10.40 a. m.)

Major-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Staff:

A deserter from Ransom's brigade, Johnson's division, came into my lines last night. He states that the enemy are making no movements.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.