troops were held ready to move and sick ordered off, but where to not known; same story as to preparations for evacuation. One man thought some of the artillery had been returned to the lines. Enemy's lines not visible to-day.

ROBT. B. POTTER,

Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February 25, 1865-3.10 p. m.

Major-General POTTER,

Commanding Ninth Corps:

Please direct General Tidball to ascertain whether or not the enemy have removed their guns from, your front. Let him open from different points along the line, and report the result as soon as possible.

JNO. G. PARKE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February 25, 1865-6.25 p. m.

Major-General POTTER,

Commanding Ninth Corps:

Is this present firing (6.20 p. m.) on your front? Have you been able to discover any change in the enemy's picket-line? What of the fire in Petersburg?

JNO. G. PARKE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
February 25, 1865. (Received 6.42 p. m.)

Major General JOHN G. PARKE,

Army of the Potomac:

Firing is on my front, mostly on my right. The enemy are using a few guns now. The fog prevents our seeing the fire, if still burning. It was near the Richmond depot, and an hour since, when seen, covered about half a block. I have reports in from both divisions within ten minutes. No change observable in line or pickets.

ROBT. B. POTTER,

Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
February 25, 1865. (Received 10.25 p. m.)

Bvt. Major General A. S. WEBB,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

I have ten deserters from Johnson's division. They do not report anything that indicates any movement to-night; drew rations to-day as usual. Saw large quantities of tobacco and some cotton piled up at depot of South Side Railroad. Talk of contemplated evacuation general, but are still strengthening their works and doubling abatis.

ROBT. B. POTTER,

Brevet Major-General.