CITY POINT, VA., December 30, 1864-11 p.m.

(Received 11.45 p.m.)

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

I will write and dispatch to Porter to go off to-night.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, December 30, 1864.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

Major Casey, a very intelligent officer of Engineers, was detailed to observe and report on the torpedo explosion. He seems a wide-awake man, and to have used his time profitably in acquiring information of the localities. If you have not seen him be may be useful to you. Shall I send him to see you?

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, December 30, 1864.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,

General-in-Chief of U. S. Armies:

SIR: I transmit herewith a copy of the joint resolution of thanks to you when a major-general of the Army, passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, and approved by the President, December 17, 1863.* The gold medal voted you in the same resolution would be presented at the same time if its preparation had been committed to the charge of the Department.

I am, &c.,

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

CITY POINT, VA., December 30, 1864-2 p.m.

(Received 7 p.m.)

Honorable GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy:

Your dispatch 9.30 p.m. 29th received. I will advise fully with the Secretary of War about what you propose. Please call on him for information.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

CITY POINT, VA., December 30, 1864.

Admiral PORTER,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron:

Please hold on where you are for a few days and I will endeavor to be black again with an increased force and without the former commander. It is desirable the enemy should be lulled into all the security

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* See Vol. XXXI, Part II, p.52.

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