HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL,

November 29, 1864.

Major General G. G. MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: Three deserters from the enemy and two prisoners of war forwarded to-day. The prisoners of war are two of Hampton's scouts, taken in the late cavalry reconnaissance. The deserters are all from the Seventeenth South Carolina, Wallace's brigade (Evans' old); bring no late information. One of them states that he saw Richmond papers of the 27th instant containing information from Sherman. He had passed through Macon and Milledgeville, and was moving two columns, one by the State road to Augusta, and the other by the Macon road to Savannah; was rumored that he had taken Augusta. Nothing had thus far opposed him but Wheeler's cavalry, some 7,000 strong. Contrabands from Prince George and Sussex Counties report that some 200 negroes are at work on the new railroad branch at Stony Creek; commenced laying the ties last Friday. The junction is about a quarter of a mile north of the station. Its course will follow the new military road. Some of the most intelligent contrabands think it is not intended to connect with the South Side Railroad, and will only be a short branch of a few miles to facilitate the transportation of forage, the roads in the vicinity being impassable in winter.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNumbers C. BABCOCK.

MEADE'S HEADQUARTERS,

November 29, 1864.

Captain J. C. PAINE, Signal Officer:

The general commanding wishes to know what progress you made, if any, in the erection of the tower referred to by him.

B. F. FISHER,

Major and Chief Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS,
November 29, 1864.

Major B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer:

The tower referred to was not built, as it was deemed best to wait awhile before taking action upon it.

J. C. PAINE,

Captain, & c.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
November 29, 1864.

Lieutenant W. S. STRYKER,

Adjutant Signal Corps, Army of the Potomac:

Last night the enemy placed about 200 yards of chevaux-de-frise in rear of the abatis north from station. Enemy improving works near lead-works and on flats to the right of large fort.

CAROTHERS,

Sergeant.

All quiet. JANSEN.

No change on this front to-day. JORDAN.

All quiet. HOLMAN.