WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, Va., December 22, 1864.

General R. E. LEE,

Petersburg, Va.:

The following dispatch was received from the operator at Gordonsville at 3 p. m.:

The enemy are in twelve miles of Gordonsville. It is said they number 6,000, commanded by General Torbert. Powell, and Duffie. We are fighting them now near Jack's Shop. Our main force is at Liberty Mills, seven miles from Gordosville, where we have entrenched position. If they do no divide their forces we will be able to resist them. Our forces are under Generals McCausland and jackson, and only number 1,300 men.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
December 22, 1864. (Received 6 p. m.)

Honorable J. A SEDDON:

Longstreet is sending re-enforcements to Gordonsville. Please expedite them.

R. E. LEE.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
December 22, 1864.

Major C. BOYLE,

Provost-Marshal, Gordonsville:

Inform Generals McCausland and Jackson that re-enforcements will be up to-morrow.

O. LATROBE,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
December 22, 1864.

General R. E. LEE,

Petersburg:

Hunton's and Bratton's brigades are ordered to Gordonsville, with three days' rations. Your commissary scold make arrangements to supply them at the end of three days. Rodes' division is ordered up to camp on Proctor's Creek.

J. LONGSTREET,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
December 22, 1864.

General R. E. LEE:

I there field artillery at Gordonsville? I shall send three brigades of infantry. There should be cavalry and artillery for their assistance. We cannot expect important service from the detachment unless it is in proper hands. Will the officer sent from here be in command after he reaches Gordonsville?

J. LONGSTREET,

Lieutenant-General.