of most of the troops entirely soldierly. No confusion. An attack by the enemy could have been met and repelled while the explosions were taking place and the whole fort filled with flying missiles. A few Sibley tents would do us good.

I. J. WISTAR,

Brigadier-General.

CUMBERLAND, MD., December 18, 1863.

(Received 11.30 a.m.)

Brigadier General G. W. CULLUM,

Chief of Staff:

General Sullivan reports that a cavalry scout has just returned from Loudoun County, commanded by Captain Keys, of the Twelty-second Pennsylvania. Near Upperville he captured Colonel Carter, of the First Virginia Cavalry, 5 men, and 6 horses. Keys' loss, 1 man killed and 2 captured. Enemy's, 2 man and 2 horses killed.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

DECEMBER 19, 1863-10 p.m.

(Received 10.30 p.m.)

Major-General HALLECK:

General Gregg reports the return of the command sent to Salem and Manassas Gap after Rosser. They report Rosser's command as having passed through Front Royal yesterday morning, and that they moved toward Luray. One of Rosser's men was captured.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General, Commanding.

(Copy to Major-General Augur.)

DECEMBER 30, 1863-11 p.m.

(Received 12.10 a.m., 21st.)

Major-General HALLECK:

I have directed General Pleasonton to send a brigade of cavalry to Luray, but I hardly think they can overtake Rosser, who will have had time to pass up the valley and rejoin Stuart.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Near Portsmouth, Va., December 20, 1863.

Colonel J. W. SHAFFER,

Chief of Staff:

SIR: In compliance with the communication of the 18th, from the major-general commanding, requesting a report as to the feasibility of holding a line to include the six northeastern counties of North Carolina, and of affording protection to the people thereof, I have the honor to state:

A line including these counties should be traced as follows: From Albemarle Sound, ascending the Chowan and Blackwater Rivers