HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS,
Near Heim's Mills, GA., December 8, 1864 - 5. 30 p. m.

Brigadier General W. T. WARD,

Commanding Third Division:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you have a strong guard (at least two or three regiments) at the house where you turn to the right to reach this point, to remain thee until the rear of the wagon train shall have passed. He directs that the roads at that point be blockaded sufficiently to prevent a sudden attack by a cavalry force. He wishes to know whether you need any further assistance, and he directs that you know you report to him frequently.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. P. DECHERT,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS,
Mrs. Jadaun's House, December 8, 1864 - 6 p. m.

Lieutenant Colonel H. W. PERKINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Twentieth Army Corps:

COLONEL: My command is encamping at this point (forks of road). The road has been extremely bad, wheels cutting through to the hub. Nearly two miles and a half to work; have large details at it, and hope to get the rear in by 12 o'clock. Pontoon train is just in.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. T. WARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS,
Near Eden, GA., December 8, 1864.

Brigadier General W. T. WARD,

Commanding Third Division:

GENERAL: The general commanding the corps desires to have you push on at daybreak to-morrow to this point with your train. The corps pioneers will be sent from here early in the morning to repair the roads that you will have to pass over. The major-General commanding the Left Wing is anxious to have the trains hurried up as fast as possible. Please do the best with them that you can.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. PERKINS,

Lieutenant-General and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, S. C., December 8, 1864.

(Received 8. 15 p. m. 12th.)

Major General H. W. HALLECK, U. A. Army,

Chief of Staff, Armies of the United States, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: Have been demonstrating strongly against the Charlestown and Savannah road. Had obstinate fight near Grahamville on the 30th; result, a drawn battle. Have kept a large force of the enemy