[Inclosure Numbers 47]

MILLBOROUGH,

[December] 20, 1863

Colonel Jackson or Colonel Arnett:

I am leaving here for Staunton with General Thomas' brigade. I am compelled to go there to meet a force coming up the valley. I should have been too late to do anything by going to Warm Springs and Gatewood's. I could not cross streams. I could not get a force to you for the same reason. Do the best you can. Telegraph to me at Staunton. Fitzhugh Lee encamped near Fincastle last night.

J. A. EARLY,

Major-General.

[Inclosure Numbers 48]

STAUNTON,

December 20, 1863.

Colonel Arnett:

What is the present position of affairs in your front? What news of Colonel Jackson?

J. A. EARLY,

Major-General

[Inclosure Numbers 49]

MOUNT CRAWFORD,

December 20, 1863.

Colonel W. L. JACKSON:

There is no use in your pursuing the enemy with infantry, unless for some special purpose, of which you must judge.

J. A. EARLY,

Major-General.

_____________

Numbers 11.

Report of Colonel William Wiley Arnett, Twentieth Virginia Cavalry.

December 29, 1863.

SIR: Allow me to respectfully submit the following report of the operations of my regiment during the recent raid of General Averell:

On the 19th of the present month, we were at Jackson's River Depot, and in the evening thereof I received orders to march to the Alum Rock Bluff and there take position. I did so. Shortly thereafter, by your order, I moved my regiment to the junction of the Rich Patch road, as it is called, with the railroad and pike leading to Covington.

Here I was ordered to hold my position until the Nineteenth Regiment passed up in the direction of the Island Ford Bridge for some purpose (I then knew not what, but was afterward informed that their purpose was to burn said bridge). I asked, if the enemy advanced upon me in force, if I was to hold my position at all hazards, until the Nineteenth Regiment returned. This question was propounded