couriers to send back with information as soon as the cause of firing is known. Take axes to make a raft or temporary bridge if one should be found necessary. Direct forage to follow the command if he has none issued. Leave an escort for the forage and start at once.

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General of Volunteers.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
In the Field, March 16, 1865-4.50 p. m.

Colonel WEST,

Commanding Cavalry Division:

You will march at once with your cavalry force, leaving only enough to relieve your picket-line, and taking with you three day's rations, down along the Chickahominy, keeping your left flank well covered, and communicate with any force of Sheridan's which may be on the north side of that river. You will send couriers back with information as soon as the cause of firing is known to you. Take axes to make a raft or temporary bridge if one should be found necessary. Direct forage to follow the command if you have none issued. Leave an escort for the forage and start at once. Report the receipt of this order and also when when you move.

By command of Major-General Ord:

THEODORE READ,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY,
March 16, 1865. (Received 5.45 p. m.)

Lieutenant-Colonel READ:

Dispatch received. Everything will be ready in a few minutes; will telegraph you when we start. Have had no report of any firing from the picket-line; will learn as I go out, if not before, and send back word. This order to move received 4.55.

Respectfully,

ROB. M. WEST,

Colonel, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION,
March 16, 1865. (Received 6.30 p. m.)

Lieutenant-Colonel READ,

Chief of Staff:

The column is now moving down the New Market road. I start at once.

ROB. M. WEST,

Colonel, &c.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES,
In the Field, March 16, 1865-10.40 a. m.

COMMANDING OFFICER EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA,

Norfolk, Va.:

When Colonel Summer reaches Norfolk with his cavalry regiment order him to come on up the river without debarking. He will prob