WINCHESTER, VA., March 8, 1865.

(Received 3.40 p.m. 9th.)

Major-General HALLECK:

I will send on the first train by a staff officer the original dispatch from General Sheridan, which was sent you by telegraph as soon as received. This dispatch was sent by Lieutenant-Colonel Boice, who was not the commander of the detachment, and was not delivered to me until 3 p.m.

W. H. EMORY,

Brevet Major-General.

(Delayed by telegraph line being down. - Harper's Ferry.)

WINCHESTER, March 8, 1865

Honorable E. M. STANTON:

General Sheridan's report has already been forwarded by telegraph.* The additional particulars I can get are that Colonel Thompson, who brought back the prisoners, on reaching Harrisonburg learned through the inhabitants that Charlottesville had been captured by General Sheridan; that Sheridan had with him his pontoon train, artillery, and all wagons intact; and that he was over the worst part of the road. When advancing it was ascertained at Staunton that Thomas' scouts, or those from the West, had already been there. Colonel Thompson was sharply attacked in front and rear at Rude's Hill, but repelled the attack and lost none of his prisoners. Four dispatches were sent here in advance of Colonel Thompson, but none of them have reached their destination. At Staunton, on his return, Colonel Thompson heard a rumor that a large force of ours was approaching Lynchburg from the west. Colonel Thompson's impression seemed to be decidedly that General Sheridan's thoughts and movements were still onward.

W. H. EMORY,

Brevet Major-General.

WINCHESTER, March 8, 1865

Major-General HANCOCK,

Cumberland:

My scouts report the approach of a detachment from Sheridan with prisoners. Have sent to meet them.

W. H. EMORY,

HDQRS. NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS AND U. S. FORCES,
Winchester, March 8, 1865.

Major-General HANCOCK,

Cumberland:

Colonel Thompson, First New Hampshire Cavalry, of General Sheridan's command, has arrived here with 40 officers and 1,300 enlisted men prisoners. Eight pieces of artillery and 100 wagons were captured and destroyed up to the time Colonel Thompson left General Sheridan. The principal battle was at Fishersville, five miles beyond Staunton.

W. H. EMORY,

Brevet Major-General, Commanding.

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*See Sheridan to Halleck, March 2, p. 792.

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