possibly, in our rear up the Weldon road, as of course, on Warren's withdrawing, if he does not follow him, he will try to play the same game I am proposing, viz, to strike our weakened lines before lines before Warren can get back. It will therefore be necessary that Warren should be close up to us before it will be prudent for us to attempt the offensive from the front.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
December 11, 1864-5.45 p.m. (Sent 6 p.m.)

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

I transmit dispatch* just received from Major-General Warren. I understand from the officer who brings it that no opposition was met, except from cavalry, till they reached Hicksford, where artillery was found in position on the other side of the Meherrin. On the return the cavalry met some infantry near Jarratt's, but no great force. From all I can gather, Hill either did not leave Dinwiddie or else pushed for Hicksford, thinking Weldon was Warren's objective.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General, Commanding.

CITY POINT, VA., December 11, 1864-7 p.m.

Major-General MEADE:

Your cipher dispatch+ just received. The plan you propose I think well of, and wish you would make all the preparations for carrying it into effect. It will be of the greatest importance to select the right officer for taking the advance.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

CITY POINT, VA., December 11, 1864. (Received 10 p.m.)

Major-General MEADE:

Major-General Wright is here and expects the arrival of his last division to-night and early in the morning. At what point on the railroad will you have them debark?

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 11, 1864-10.15 p.m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

Major-General Wright's third division should debark on the railroad at Parke's Station.

GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.

---------------

*See Grant to Halleck, 8.30 p.m.,p.951.

+See Meade to Grant, 1 p.m., p.952.

---------------