WINCHESTER, VA., January 28, 1865-5 p. m.

Honorable E. M. STANTON:

Ex-Confederate Senator Foote has just come into my lines in Loudoun County. He desires to see Secretary Seward on important business, and wishes to go on to Washington to-night. What are your orders in the case?

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

January 28, 1865-6.15 p. m.

Major-General SHERIDAN,

Winchester:

Your telegram just received. You will detain Mr. Foote in custody, and not allow him to come to Washington or communicate with any one until you receive the President's instructions.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22ND ARMY CORPS,
January 28, 1865.

Colonel WILLIAM GAMBLE,

Commanding at Fairfax Court-House:

COLONEL: Information has been received to the effect that there are now no vessels in the ice between Alexandria and Aquia Creek. Withdraw your troops from the vicinity of Dumfries.

Respectfully,

J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST SEPARATE BRIGADE,
Fairfax Court-House, Va., January 28, 1865.

Lieutenant Colonel J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General:

I have the honor to inform you that everything is quiet along the lines of this command. The scouting party ordered for Leesburg started this morning at 2 o'clock. The scouting party ordered to Dumfires has been ordered to return.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. GAMBLE,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Per CHARLES I. WICKERSHAM,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION,
January 28, 1865.

General TIBBITS:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you detail 200 men, with the usual complement of officers, in charge of Major Gibson, Four-