WASHINGTON, D. C., November 15, 1864-4 p. m.

Major-General SHERIDAN:

Recommendations for promotion cannot be acted on till the Secretary of War is well enough to do business.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

DARNESTOWN, November 15, 1864.

Major ECKERT:

Have heard firing in direction of the river most of morning, and some cannonading, but have received no news yet.

SARGENT.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, 22ND ARMY CORPS,
Washington, D. C., November 15, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel CLENDENIN,

Commanding at Muddy Branch:

COLONEL: It is reported from Darnestown that firing has been heard in the direction of the river. What is it? The canal-boat C. Clifton is held in custody by your command near Edwards Ferry. Turn over the boat and cargo to agents who will be sent by the canal company. If the crew have violated orders hold them until charges are preferred, and forward them together to these headquarters. Answer.

Respectfully,

J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General.

MUDDY BRANCH, November 15, 1864.

(Received 2.30 p. m.)

Lieutenant Colonel J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff:

The information from the picket-line received within an hour reports all quiet. I will send messengers to ascertain if anything is wrong, and inform you if there is. I released the canal-boat Clifton two days ago. The party was arrested for supposed murder of a soldier, but the surgeon pronounces it a case of death from the effects of liquor.

Very respectfully,

D. R. CLENDENIN,

Lieutenant-Colonel.

HEADQUARTERS PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL,
DEFENSES SOUTH OF THE POTOMAC,

Alexandria, Va., November 15, 1864. (Received 7.25 p. m.)

Colonel TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: The patrols report all quiet to-day. It is reported by the country people that a day or two ago Mosby hung some six of our men that he had taken prisoners.

H. H. WELLS,

Colonel and Provost-Marshal-General, Defenses South of Potomac.