DECEMBER 29, 1864.

J. C. BABCOCK,

Headquarters Army of the Potomac:

I have deserters here from Pickett, Field, and Kershaw. Pickett's brigades lie between the James and the Appomattox. Kershaw relieved Hoke when he left, and Field is also on north side of James. If you want to know anything about those divisions write me. Did you get a telegram from me this a.m., and can you answer the questions proposed?

SHARPE,

Colonel.

DECEMBER 29, 1864.

Colonel SHARPE,

City Point:

Gordon's and Pegram's divisions are on enemy's extreme right picketing along Hatcher's Run. This is positive. Deserters from them this a.m. Rodes' division (or the part of it lately arrived from Valley) is reported to have gone back as far as Gordonsville. Have written you at length.

J. C. BABCOCK.

DECEMBER 29, 1864.

Colonel SHARPE,

City Point:

Deserter from Gordon's old brigade, of Gordon's division, reports that Rodes' division is on its way back again Gordonsville. No particulars.

J. C. BABCOCK.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
December 29, 1864-3.10 p.m.

Captain DAVIS:

The camp on Boisseau's property, reported deserted day before yesterday, has been re-occupied by a brigade of infantry who are fixing up the quarters to stop. They came from the direction of Petersburg and were followed by eight ambulances.

I. THICKSTUN,

Captain and Acting Signal Officer.

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT,
December 29, 1864.

Brigadier General S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

GENERAL: I have the honor to state that the signal station near the Friend house reports that at 10.30 a.m. about 1,500 infantry moved into Petersburg on Richmond pike. The station at the Avery house reports the smoke of an engine seen at 8.15 a.m. moving to the left on South Side Railroad. The other stations report all quiet and no changes.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. S. STRYKER,

First Lieutenant, Signal Corps, Adjutant.