there that "the ground is low, clayey, and wet - the animals would be over cars in mud and water in a very short time."

This report is confirmed by the commanding officer of my troops there, and I now desire to ask, if possible, that they be allowed to fall back to the high ground in rear of the station, near where the cavalry are encamped.

The pickets can remain to the front, as they now are.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN NEWTON,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, December 28, 1863-2.30 p.m.

Colonel JOHN P. TAYLOR,
Commanding Seocnd Cavalry Division:

COLONEL: Mosby's whole command was ordered to rendezvous this morning at Rector's Cross-Roads for an attack to-night on Colonel Baker's command. The commanding general directs that you send at once a party to attack him, and report as soon as they return.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. B. PARSONS,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

WARRENTON, December 28, 1863.

Captain WEIR:

Your message of 4.55 received at 7 p.m.; your dispatch by orderly at 7.30 p.m. Colonel Kester, with 500 men, is ordered to carry out your instructions. This number comprises nearly all my available force.

D. GARDNER,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION, Fairfax Court-House, Va., December 28, 1863.

Colonel J. P. McMAHON,
Commanding Brigade:

COLONEL: The colonel commanding division, in consequence of having received intimation that Mosby is about making an attack on the camp of Colonel Baker's cavalry this night, directs that you sent two companies of infantry on the road between here and Flint Hill, in order to interecept him. Your men will patrol the road in strong force, and be on the alert in case of the aproach of the enemy.

Let them be careful not to fire into our own men.

Yours, respectfully,

WM. A. LA MOTTE,

Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General.