HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
ARMY OF THE JAMES,

In the Field, December 21, 1864-12 m.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,

City Point:

A deserter in this morning from Twenty-eighth Georgia, Colquitt's brigade, Hoke's division, states that one brigade, Kirkland's, left for North Carolina yesterday a.m. Field's, Kershaw's, Barton's, and remainder of Hoke's divisions still in my front. The rebels are granting furloughs, two to every 100 men.

E. O. C. ORD.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
December 21, 1864. (Received 6.40 p.m.)

Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS:

The following dispatch has just been received from Bermuda:

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL:

I have the honor to report the arrival of part of the staff of second Brigade, First Infantry Division, Army of West Virginia, with about fifteen enlisted men in charge of horses and baggage belonging to brigade headquarters. We are in advance of Colonel William B. Curtis, commanding Second Brigade, and his command, and await your orders.

H. R. McCORD,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

I know nothing of the force referred to.

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General.

CITY POINT, December 21, 1864.

General ORD:

The troops you refer to are the advance of re-enforcements from the Valley now on the way with orders to report to you. When they get here your are expected, with a part of them, to relieve the troops recently sent from here to Bermuda Hundred, and let them come back. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:

T. S. BOWERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HATCHER'S,

December 21, 1864-11.15 a.m.

General TURNER:

We have received two deserters from vicinity of Howlett Battery; very intelligent men. No changes on my line.

E. FERRERO,

Brevet Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
December 21, 1864.

D. HEATON, Esq.,

Supervising Special Agent of the Treasury:

SIR: After conference with you I am inclined to put my views, and what I believe to be the views of the Government, on paper, in regard