the purpose of opening communication with Brigadier- General Duffie. They must be well mounted. The sergeant who bears this letter will command the detail.

By command of Major- General Hunter;

[P. G. BIER,]

Assistant Adjutant- General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Lexington, Va., June 12, 1864.

Brigadier- General AVERELL:

GENERAL: You will move your command to- morrow morning at 2 a. m. on the direct road to Buchanan, and, moving as rapidly as possible, you will endeavor to get possession of the bridge over the James River at that place, so as to hod it and prevent its destruction by the enemy. You will at the same time obtain all the information that can be had in regard to the roads and fords on the river. On your march you will send back couriers from time to time with information to the commanding general, who will follow on the same road with the main body of the army.

By order of Major- General Hunter:

D. H. STROTHER,

Colonel and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Lexington, June 12, 1864.

Brigadier- General AVERELL:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you send a party to destroy Buena Vista Furnace, some five miles distant, on the White's Gap road. This should be done this afternoon, using such force to accomplish it as you may think necessary.

Very respectfully, yours,

D. H. STROTHER,

Colonel and Chief of Staff.

HDQRS. SECOND CAV. DIV., DEPT, OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Lexington, Va., June 12, 1864.

Colonel CHARLES G. HALPINE,

Assistant Adjutant- General:

COLONEL: I have the honor to request that an order may be issued from department headquarters directing that all Government saddles and equipments in the hands of persons attached to the infantry not authorized to use them be turned over to the cavalry, and that division commanders of infantry be directed not to destroy saddles and equipments captured by their commands, but to turn them over to the cavalry commanders for use in their divisions.

I am, very respectfully,

WM. W. AVERELL,

Brigadier- General.