the relief it has afforded me, as well as for the ability and zeal you have displayed in the management of the affairs of your department and of the Valley District.

You will already have received my dispatch as to your movements. Upon reaching your destination, you will report your arrival, assume command, and make every necessary arrangement for the defense of the position. You will hold yourself in readiness to cooperate with this army, as circumstances may require, giving such assistance as you can in guarding the road.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

RICHMOND, VA., May 20, 1864.

General WILLIAM E. JONES,

Dublin Depot:

Retain Vaughn's brigade in your command.

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT,
May 20, 1864-7 p. m.

Major-General BRECKINRIDGE:

Finished the bridge to-day. Another flag of truce from Sigel with supplies for his wounded to-day. He is still at Cedar Creek. His cavalry was at Woodstock last night. No demonstration to-day. I will feel him cautiously very soon. I answered his flag in such terms that he might infer that you were still in command.

J. D. IMBODEN.

DUBLIN, May 20, 1864.

General S. COOPER:

Must I assume command of Department of Western Virginia?

W. E. JONES,

Brigadier-General.

JACKSON RIVER DEPOT, May 20, 1864.

Major C. S. STRINGFELLOW,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I dispatched my proceedings from Greenbrier bridge, near Lewisburg. I am now here to equip my command; will be ready to march in five days. Gave Averell parting salute, drowning and killing some of his men. Captured horses and 15 prisoners. Any orders?

WM. L. JACKSON,

Colonel.