From Steuart's front: No change visible on this side of the James. A working party, mostly negroes, lively engaged in works between Batteries C and D. The pickets in our front are negroes, and consequently there is a brisk sharpshooting all along the line. Last night one regiment of infantry passed Dutch Gap, going up the river.

STEUART'S FRONT-2 p. m.

No change has been observed since last report. The enemy's artillery opened on our lines at 10 a. m., and have been firing rapidly since. Our guns replied immediately. The shooting was as close as possible.

Sergeant R., at C, was wounded in the head; was shot by a piece of shell. He had a very narrow escape, but is no t disabled from duty.

S.,

Sergeant, at C.

(Same to A. B.)

3.50 P. M.

Major P.:

There has passed rear of Battery 5, going toward City Point, nineteen wagons, and two pieces of artillery; near same battery, going toward enemy's left, one train of cars: tops covered with troops. One regiment of infantry drilled in rear of Battery 5 from 10 a. m. till 3.30 p. m.

W.,

Sergeant, at D.

DUNN'S-4.10 P. M.

Colonel B.:

Heavy skirmishing is going on in our front. One regiment of infantry passed open space, going toward front in Chesterfield. One regiment of infantry drawn up in line near Point of Rocks. They have been there thirty minutes. Steamer just came up the river and stopped at Strahan's lower landing. Gun-boat in same position.

R.,

Sergeant, at C.

(Same to A. B.)

H. W. HOLMAN,

Sergeant.

SPECIAL ORDERS WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Numbers 476. Washington, December 31, 1864.

* * * * * * *

52. The instruction given Major William R. Driver, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, contained in his letter of appointment, directing him to report to Brevet Major-General Mott, U. S. Volunteers, commanding Third Division, Second Army Corps, for assignment to duty, is hereby so modified as to direct him to report to Major-General Meade, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Potomac, for assignment to duty.

* * * * * * *

By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

Numbers 356. December 31, 1864.

1. Leave of absence is granted the following-named officers:

* * * * * * *

Major General G. K. Warren, U. S. Volunteers, for fifteen days.

* * * * * * *

By command of Major-General Parke:

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.