Sheridan's cavalry does not return. It is indefensible, and is valuable chiefly as a post of observation. It is indefensible against any attack in force. The infantry here might be better disposed to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad as soon as the dismounted cavalry is remounted.

WINF'D. S. HANCOCK,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

WASHINGTON, D. C., February 28, 1865-4.30 p.m.

Major-General HANCOCK,

Winchester, Va.:

The location of your headquarters and the disposition of your forces are left entirely to your own discretion. In regard to cavalry horses there are only about 400 here, which have been ordered by General Grant to the James River. We now have none to give you, and shall not be able to get any very soon.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

WAR DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, February 28, 1865-5.10 p.m.

Major General W. S. HANCOCK,

Headquarters Middle Military Division, Winchester, Va.:

General Carroll will be assigned to duty according to his brevet rank.

By order of the Secretary of War:

R. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON,
TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CORPS,

Washington, D. C., February 28, 1865-1 p.m.

Colonel WILLIAM GAMLE,

Commanding First Separate Brigade:

COLONEL: Send a battalion of the Thirteenth New York Cavalry to Muddy Branch for duty on the upper Potomac, to report to Major Horton, Sixteenth New York Cavalry. Select Major Frazar's battalion. Send Major Horton, Sixteenth New York, to report in person at these headquarters for instructions.

By command of Major-General Augur:

J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON,
TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CORPS,

Washington, D. C., February 28, 1865-3.35 p.m.

General GAMBLE,

Commanding at Fairfax Court-House:

Major Frazar ranks Major Horton. Send a battalion of the Thirteenth, the commander of which is junior to Major Horton.

C. C. AUGUR,

Major-General.