HDQRS, PROVISIONAL DIVISION, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
In the Field, Va., November 17, 1864.

Brevet Major-General TERRY,

Commanding Army of the James:

Unless there should be a vigorous and persistent attack, I think we can hold this line. I will communicate with you frequently.

CHARLES K. GRAHAM,

Brigadier-General.

BURLINGTON, N. J., November 18, 1864-8.30 p. m.

(Received 11 a. m. 19th.)

Honorable EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

I will be in Washington Tuesday morning. Will go to New york with my family and remain until Monday.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

CITY POINT, November 18, 1864.

(Received 3.30 p. m.)

Major-General MEADE:

The following dispatch from Major-General Butler to General Rawlins is forwarded for your information:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
November 18, 1864-3 p. m.

Brigadier-General RAWLINS,

Chief of Staff:

General Grant told me yesterday that an order should be issued transferring the colored troops of the Ninth corps to me. Please, therefore, order over two regiments to report to General Graham at Point of Rocks, and I will order two regiments of the Provisional Brigade to report to General Parke as soon as the colored regiments arrive. I ask this movement in this form in view of the threatened attack on Bermuda line. Please order them to-night.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

Respectfully,

T. S. BOWERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CITY POINT, November 18, 1864.

(Received 3.55 p. m.)

Major-General MEADE:

General Grant has decided to issue an order transferring the colored troops of the Ninth Corps to General Butler's command. You will therefore please order two regiments of colored troops to report to General Graham at Point of Rocks at once. General Butler has been ordered to send two regiments of white troops to report to General Parke when these colored regiments report to General Graham.

JNumbers A. RAWLINS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.