that Savannah had surrendered and that Sherman was marching on Charleston, having destroyed the Savannah and Charleston Railroad in four places.

J. C. BABCOCK.

WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION,

December 25, 1864-4 p.m.

Captain PAINE:

All quiet this p.m. The following were intercepted:

STEAURT'S FRONT 1 P. M.

Colonel B[RENT]:

Between 2 p.m. and dark thirty wagons passed up and twenty-five down the river. At 4 p.m. four uncovered wagons of pieces of artillery, I could not distinguish which, followed soon after by one piece of artillery. Cheering and drumming heard at Hunter's front just before dark. All quiet this p.m.

R.,

At B.

(Same to A. B.)

4 P. M.

Major P.:

On account of smoke, only one train has been observed in rear of Battery 5. No wagons.

B.,

At D.

H. W. HOLMAN,

Sergeant.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
December 25, 1864. (Received 10.30 a.m.)

Brigadier General S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

No changes in the disposition of this command since last report. Six deserters from the enemy came into our lines last night. Private Williams, Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers, deserted to the enemy at 9 p.m. yesterday.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General, Commanding.

GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,

No. 50. December 25, 1864.

I. The picket-line of the First Division will be shortened, the left resting upon the road running westward from Fort Cummings.

II. The picket-line of the Second Division will extend from that road to the branch of Arthur's Swamp, running past the Chappell house.

III. The picket-line of the Third Division will connect with that of the Second Division at the point indicated in the preceding paragraph, and extend to the connection it now has with the picket-line of the Fifth Corps.

IV. As soon as this readjustment of picket-line is made, the division commanders will report the number if officers and enlisted men detailed for picket duty.