been ordered in, and so far as I can control you will carry every member of your command with you. If I have omitted any, you will please call my attention to the omission and I will give the necessary orders to secure your having the last man of your command along with you.

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

O. LATROBE,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

WILMINGTON, December 20, 1864-10 a. m.

Colonel JOHN B. SALE,

Richmond, Va.:

The head of the enemy's fleet arrived off this point last night. Over thirty steamers are now assembling and more are following.

B. BRAGG.

(Copies sent to the President, Secretary of War, and Adjutant-General.)

WILMINGTON, December 20, 1864.

His Excellency the PRESIDENT:

No disposition made as yet by the enemy to attack on land. The weather is unfavorable to a landing on the outside of the bar now.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

RICHMOND, VA., December 20, 1864.

General B. BRAGG,

Wilmington, N. C.:

Yours of this date received. Hoke's division is under orders to re-enforce you. One brigade has gone. The rest will follow as rapidly as railroad transportation permits.

JEFF'N DAVIS.

HEADQUARTERS,
Wilmington, December 20, 1864.

General BRAGG,

Commanding Department of North Carolina:

GENERAL: On my way to observe the enemy off new Inlet, I beg leave to make a few suggestions, in case anything should delay or prevent my speedy return. I think the citizens should be notified of the imminence of attack, that all business should be suspended except that of transportation and that purely connected with the defense. It should be decided what is preferable to save and that at once, for stripped as we are of forces, we shall have little time before the enemy will be upon the city.

Very respectfully,

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major-General.