HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, December 17, 1864.

(Received 2.40 p.m.)

Brigadier-General RAWLINS:

A deserter just in says he was in Richmond yesterday and saw a wagon train of 75 or 100 wagons passing through the city. Heard a man say it was Early's wagons.

JNO. W. TURNER,
Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, December 17, 1864.

Brigadier General J. W. TURNER,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The signal officer on Crow's Nest tower reports:

The enemy are mounting another heavy gun on the eighth finished to their left of Cox's Ferry.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. B. NORTON,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, December 17, 1864-10 a.m.

Brigadier General J. W. TURNER,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The signal officer on the Cobb's Hill tower reports-

That at 9.30 this a.m. regular train of thirteen cars, heavily loaded with troops, passed Port Walthall Junction toward Petersburg.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. B. NORTON,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer, Dept.of Va. and N. C.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, December 17, 1864-12.40 p.m.

Brigadier General J. W. TURNER,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The signal officer on Cobb's Hill tower reports that "at 12.30 p.m. a train of five cars, loaded with troops, passed Port Walthall Junction toward Petersburg;" also, "that the enemy have cut the timber in front of Mrs. Dunn's house (on the left of our line), disclosing a redoubt of three embrasures and two guns."

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. B. NORTON,

Captain and Chief of Signal Officer, Dept. Of Va. and N. C.