MASONBOROUGH, December 29, 1864 - 10.45 a. m.

Lieutenant-General HOLMES:

A dispatch just received from Sloop Point states one large steamer lying off that place with one schooner in attendance; nothing off this point.

J. G. BURR,

Colonel, Commanding.

MASONBOROUGH, December 29, 1864 - 5.30 p. m.

Major VAN DER HORST:

Three vessels lying off Battery Gatlin, two moving north and one just moved up lying off here.

C. A. ROACH.

Lieutenant, Commanding Picket.

SMITHVILLE, December 29, 1864.

Major VAN DER HORST:

The present condition of Fry not positively known; nothing from Evelyn since night before last, when she was still in Little River. The pilot I sent was on his way and near there then; three blockaders were off there.

LOUIS HEBERT,

Brigadier-General.

SMITHVILLE, December 29, 1864.

Major VAN DER HORST:

There are at Fisher 1,657, at Fort Holmes 550, and at Oak Island 1,056, and at Smithville 392 individuals who draw rations. This embraces troops, negroes, and employes, making a total of 3,642 [3,655].

LOUIS HEBERT,

Brigadier-General.

WILMINGTON, December 29, 1864 - 2.40 p. m.

Major-General HOKE,

Sugar Loaf:

Major-General WHITING,

Fort Fisher:

General Bragg wishes to know whether you can draw any inference as to which way fleet has sailed.

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WILMINGTON, December 29, 1864.

Major-General HOKE,

Sugar Loaf:

General Colquitt will be ordered direct by telegraph to move his brigade here by steamer to-morrow. Let Ellis' battery march here to-morrow.

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.