CITY POINT, VA., December 12, 1864. (Received 10.50 a.m.)

Major-General MEADE:

The last information placed Kershaw's division in front of Fort Harrison. I will inquire of General Ord if it has gone.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

CONFIDENTIAL.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

December 12, 1864-12 m. (Sent 12.30 p.m.)

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

In the absence of any positive intelligence of Hill's position, after a careful examination of the ground by engineers and reliable officers, the intelligence of the signal officers and picket officers of the return of the enemy to his works, the condition of the troops now returning from the expedition to Hicksford, on which they have, from the weather, suffered very much, from all these considerations I am constrained to advise giving up my suggestion of yesterday to attack the enemy's line, on the ground that I have no reason to believe it will be successful, and am not disposed to engage in such an operation except under the most favorable circumstances. I will, however, have everything in readiness awaiting your decision.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

CITY POINT, VA., December 12, 1864. (Received 1 p.m.)

Major-General MEADE:

Your dispatch just received. I would not advise the attack suggested by you unless with a good prospect of it succeeding. But if you are prepared for it, act on your best judgment when Warren gets back and the time comes for making the attack.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

CITY POINT, VA., December 12, 1864. (Received 4.05 p.m.)

Major-General MEADE:

The only information General Ord has of movement of troops from his front is from a deserter off picket. He heard a report that some troops had moved toward the river yesterday; understood it was Kershaw's division.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

CITY POINT, December 12, 1864-10.30 p.m.

Major General P. H. SHERIDAN,

Kernstown, Va.:

I think there is no doubt but all Gordon's and Pegram's divisions are here. The inhabitants of Richmond are supplied exclusively over the roads north of the James River. If it is possible to destroy the