CITY POINT, VA., January 25, 1865-3 p. m.

Major-General ORD,

Fort Monroe, Va.:

I shall leave here to-morrow, to be absent several days. I wish you to return to your headquarters in the field, so that in case of necessity you will be on hand to take charge of armies operating from here. It will answer if you start up in the morning.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
January 25, 1865.

Brigadier-General RAWLINS:

I shall know shortly from the commander of the Onondage if the enemy's boats have yet reached the obstructions. They may be waiting for daylight to pass them. I have sent for two tugs from Bermuda Hundred to bring vessels up to the draw in the bridge at Varina with a view of sinking them there if it becomes necessary, but I will not sink them unless it becomes the only way to stop the gun-boats.

JOHN GIBBON,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
January 25, 1865. (Received 10.15 a. m.)

Brigadier-General RAWLINS,

Chief of Staff:

Please state whether the two 100-pounders mentioned by General Grant yesterday were sent. One of them is required to replace a gun disabled yesterday in Fort Brady.

JOHN GIBBON,

Major-General.

CITY POINT, VA., January 25, 1865.

Major-General GIBBON:

Five 100-pounder Parrott guns were sent last night to be planted on the south side of the James River at places previously prepared for them. General Abbot had the matter in charge. There is one more of these guns here, which General Abbot will be directed to send to Fort Brady. If the enemy have not left your right I think it will be well to attack them.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

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

In the Field, January 25, 1865-9.30 a. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

City Point:

General Kautz reports this morning that his scouting parties have been to White's Tavern; report the enemy's pickets in their usual