reach Richmond. The greatest expedition is necessary. You can use part of Rodes' division to hold the line Colonel Mayo is now holding. Acknowledge receipt of this.

O. LATROBE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
December 22, 1864.

Major General C. W. FIELD,

Commanding Division:

You will order Bratton's brigade to prepare three days' cooked rations at once, and as soon as prepared order General Bratton to march to the Central railroad depot, in Richmond, to take the cars for Gordonsville. General Hunton's brigade, of Pickett's division, is also going to the same place. General Bratton will probably get off first. Arriving at Gordonsville, he will make disposition of his command to hold the place, and, on the arrival of General Hunton, will report to him. A force of the enemy, estimated to amount to about 4,000 cavalry, with four pieces of artillery, is supposed to be operating against Gordonsville. Cars will be ready for Bratton's troops by midnight. They will be gone about a week, and will leave guards in charge of all property left in camp. you can supply Bratton's place in our line in such way as you think most judicious. Notify me of the time they will be able to get off.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. LATROBE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
December 22, 1864 - 8.30 p. m.

Major-General PICKETT,

Commanding Division:

As General Hunton is on leave you will send General Corse up to Gordonsville to take charge of both Hunton's and Bratton's brigades when they reach there. The enemy were fighting McCausland's and Jackson's cavalry twelve miles from Gordonsville this afternoon. It is absolutely necessary that your troops should march at once and be at Gordonsville by daylight. Everything depends on your promptness. The transportation will be ready at midnight. General corse will communicate with be ready at midnight. General Corse will communicate with and co-operate with Generals McCausland and Jackson. General Lee directs that the troops be at Gordonsville before day, and that, if the enemy has not crossed the Rapidan River, they should march to Liberty Mills. Acknowledge receipt of this.

O. LATROBE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
December 22, 1864 - 9 p. m.

Major General C. W. FIELD,

Commanding Division:

General Lee orders that our troops be at Gordonsville before day; the transportation will be ready at midnight. You will have Bratton's brigade in town by that time. Let Bratton send a staff officer into