SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 91. Washington, February 24, 1865.

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34. Brigadier General G. A. De Russy, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby detailed for special inspection duty, and will report in person without delay to the Provost-Marshal-General for instructions.

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By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

February 24, 1865-10.20 a. m.

Major-General MILES:

General Potter reports, 11.50 p. m., twelve deserters, Johnson's division; twenty-four pieces artillery withdrawn. Mahone's division and Cooke's brigade expected to move last night; stores and tobacco ordered out of Petersburg. Troops massed near Weldon railroad. Gracie's brigade ready to move at 9 a. m. to-day. Wagons heard all night between the Norfolk railroad and the plank road.

General Potter is ordered to open with artillery to endeavor to determine what they have left. Do you purpose moving your pickets?

ALEX. S. WEBB,

Chief of Staff.

(Same to General Wright; first paragraph to Warren.)

HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
February 24, 1865. (Received 10.50 a. m.)

Bvt. Major General A. S. WEBB,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

Fourteen deserters came in last night-seven from Heth's division, seven from Evan's. They know nothing of any movement being contemplated by the enemy. I don't think it best to advance my picket line, as I can take no position better for observation than my present one, there being a strip of woods between their works and any line I could take up.

NELSON A. MILES,

Brevet Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February 24, 1865-11 a. m.

Major-General MILES,

Second Corps:

The major-general commanding cannot allow any communication with the rebels for some days. This paper will be kept at these headquarters.

ALEX. S. WEBB,

Brevet Major-General and Chief of Staff.