had no positive word of General Warren. The rumors of the country place him at Allen's Bridge last evening, preparing to cross, some ten miles from this point. As soon as the cavalry come up I will send out detachments for information as soon as possible. The negroes report more firing in a southerly direction yesterday, but not heavy. I made a very good march to this point, indeed. No straggling.

ROBERT B. POTTER,

Brigadier and Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
Freeman's Bridge, December 11, 1864-1.15 p.m.

General WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

GENERAL: I forward a dispatch from General Warren.* In accordance with orders from him, I shall move this afternoon to rejoin my corps.

Your obedient servant,

ROBERT B. POTTER,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS,
Jones' House, December 11, 1864-8.30 p.m.

General WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report the return of my command. The troops are ordered to take up their former positions, excepting those from the right. The march having been a long one, they will halt near the rear line and move their positions in the morning. Colonel Kerwin has reported to General Gregg, with his command, and Colonel Burnham, with his command, to General Warren, by his order. At 3 p.m., when my rear left Freeman's,the First Division of the Fifth Corps were in camp a mile or two this side of there. General Gregg, with his cavalry, was following me. The rest of General Warren's troops were crossing the Nottoway, over which were thrown two bridges.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBERT B. POTTER,

Brigadier and Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 11, 1864.

Bvt. Major General R. B. POTTER,
Commanding:

GENERAL: Your dispatch of 8.30 p.m. has been laid before the major-general commanding, who directs that instead of placing your troops in the position they occupied before your movement to the Nottoway you hold them massed in the vicinity of the Jones house and prepared to move at short notice.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*See Warren to Potter, 11 a.m., p.965.

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