Edward C. Ord to Edward C. Ord, March 19, 1865

Major-General ORD: General Sheridan has brought with him some 2,000 or 3,000 negroes. I have directed him to send them to the provost-marshal at Fort Monroe. The chief quartermaster (General Ingalls) will give you directions for the distribution and employment of the able-bodied men. The balance you may direct to be sent to such settlement as you may think can best employ them. U. 8. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. Hpqrs. DEPT. OF Virginia, ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 19, 1865—9.20 a. m. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, City Point: I have the honor to report the safe return of my cavalry division to camp. When I receive a report from it I will telegraph results. A prisoner reports that Pickett’s division returned to Richmond yesterday afternoon and encamped below Richmond.

E. O. C. ORD,