CITY POINT, VA., December 7, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER:

Let General Witzel get off as soon as possible. We don't want the navy to wait an hour.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

DECEMBER 7, 1864.

Colonel DODGE:

The Baltic is at Annapolis. Get her. We shall need her.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

BERMUDA, December 7, 1864-10.30 p.m.

Major-General BUTLER:

Shall I make the necessary arrangements to go with you, as was proposed?

Respectfully,

GEO. S. DODGE,

Colonel and Chief Quartermaster.

[Indorsement.]

Yes. Troops will begin to embark to-morrow.

B. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
December 7, 1864-5.30 p. m.

Brigadier General J. W. TURNER,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The signal officer on Crow's Nest tower reports that all the rams are coming down the river, and that Cox's Ferry and batteries to enemy's left are firing at Fort Brady.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. B. NORTON,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.

[Indorsement.]

General TURNER:

Send to Weitzel.

B. F. BUTLER.

FORT BRADY, VA., December 7, 1864.

Colonel H. L. ABBOT,

Commanding Siege Artillery:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that three rebel rams appeared about 4 p. m. to-day, steaming down past Semmes' battery, in plain view from my work. Opened on them with the 100-pounders, using solid shot. Am confident that several must have struck them. Cannot judge of the damage inflicted. Their land batteries opened on us,