This is all of interest to-day's papers. Two deserters in to-day, one of whom thinks some troops moved toward the river yesterday. This not reliable, as the man was on picket. He says the rumor was that it was Kershaw's division.

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General of Volunteers.

CITY POINT, December 12, 1864-3.45 p.m.

Major-General ORD:

Please notify the commander of the French vessel at Aiken's Landing that they must return to the mouth of the James River by Friday next. Up to that time all foreign subjects presenting themselves on our lines will be passed through to his vessel, where they will be required to remain until out of the river.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
Bermuda Hundred, December 12, 1864. (Received 6 p.m.)

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

General Butler left orders for an expedition to the country between the Piankatank and Potomac, to burn and break up sundry places. The officer going proposes to take the companies of cavalry at Harrison's Landing and one from Williamsburg, with a force of infantry. As part of this cavalry was posted by your order, I ask if it can be now removed.

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General.

CITY POINT, VA., December 12, 1864.

Major-General ORD,

Twenty-fourth Army Corps:

There is no objection to taking the cavalry from Harrison's Landing and Williamsburg for the expedition ordered by General Butler.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
In the Field, December 12, 1864-11.10 p.m.

General GRANT,

City Point:

General Ferrero telegraphs* movements within the enemy's lines on his front, which he is inclined to think indicate an attack. I think it more probable the enemy are detaching a portion of his forces.

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General, Commanding.

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*See Ferrero to Ord, 11 p.m., p.984.

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