HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
January 23, 1865. (Received 11.30 a. m.)

Bvt. Major General A. S. WEBB,

Chief of Staff:

No changes observed on our front. About 9 or 9.30 p. m. sharp picket-firing, with some cannonading, was heard directly north of these headquarters. It must have been on the other side of Appomattox. General Willcox reports at that time no firing on his front.

JNO. G. PARKE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
January 23, 1865. (Received 9 p. m.)

Bvt. Major General A. S. WEBB,

Chief of Staff:

The firing is almost due north of us. By the interval between the flash and report, I make it about twelve miles distant. I suppose at or near Dutch Gap.

JNO. G. PARKE,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
ARMY OF THE JAMES,

In the Field, January 23, 1865-5.40 p. m.

Brigadier-General RAWLINS,

City Point:

The right of General Ferrero's picket-line, which rests on the James just below the Howlett House Battery, was attacked last night. The attack was repulsed. A deserter reported to General Ferrero that the object was to ascertain if the obstructions in the river been carried away. Small boats in readiness to co-operate in case the attack succeeded. The attempt was to have been made on Saturday night, but the small boats were not ready. Eight guns and ten hats were picked up this morning at the point were the attack was made. Every precaution has been taken to prevent a surprise.

JOHN GIBBON,

Major-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
ARMY OF THE JAMES,

In the Field, January 23, 1865-10 p. m.

Brigadier-General RAWLINS,

City Point:

General Kautz send in a deserter from the Hampton Legion, Garry's brigade, who says the brigade moved at 11 o'clock to-day with three days' rations. He does not know where they went. I will ascertain shortly the meaning of the firing on the river.

JOHN GIBBON,

Major-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

14 R R-VOL XLVI, PT II