[Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS ENGINEERS, VALLEY DISTRICT,
December 27, 1864.

Respectfully returned; not approved.

This company is at present at work on a very important bridge. There is work enough in the district to occupy it until the 1st of March, 1865.

WM. PROCTOR SMITH,

Chief Engineer.

[Third indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT,
January 11, 1865.

Respectfully returned.

Captain Hart has been ordered to report to Major-General Breckinridge.

By order of Lieutenant-General Early:

S. J. C. MOORE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
December 23, 1864.

Honorable J. A. SEDDON:

On the 20th General Early reported one division of enemy's cavalry, under General Custer, coming up the Valley, and two divisions, under General Torbert, moving through Chester Gap, with four pieces artillery and thirty wagons. On the 22nd Rosser attacked Custer's division, nine miles from Harrisonburg, and drove [him] back, capturing 40 prisoners. This morning Torbert attacked Lomax near Gordonsville, and was repulsed and severely punished. He is retiring and Lomax preparing to follow.

R. E. LEE.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
December 23, 1864.

General R. E. LEE,

Commanding, Petersburg:

The last of Bratton's brigade left Richmond at daylight. The first of it has reached Gordonsville. Hunton's brigade has gotten off by this time. All possible expedition was used. Will ascertain if Greeg crosses the river.

J. LONGSTREET,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
December 24, 1864.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War:

General Firz Lee reports that the force which attacked Lomaz yesterday consisted of two divisions of enemy's cavalry, under General Torbert. Lomax was posted across the Madison turnpike two miles and a half form gordonsville. The enemy was handsomely repulsed, and retired about 3 p. m., just as re-enforcements were getting in position,