WINCHESTER, VA., July 22, 1864.

Major-General HUNTER,

Commanding:

I have the honor to report that I arrived here at noon to-day. The enemy have all left in the direction of Strasburg and Front Royal, the last of them leaving here yesterday morning before day-light. I want to remain here a day or two to give the enemy the impression we will not follow them, so that they may send a good portion of their command to Richmond. I have not force sufficient to meet all their force in this open valley, and my only hope is for them to divide their command.

GEO. CROOK.

HDQRS. ARMY OF KANAWHA, DEPT. OF W. VIRGINIA,
Winchester, Va., July 22, 1864.

General CROOK:

GENERAL: Lieutenant Blackman, of Colonel Powell's staff, has just come in from Newtown, and reports that Colonel Powell is being driven back by a heavy force of the enemy. He is out of ammunition and sent in to have General Duffie come out and re-enforce him. I will keep the officer here until you give orders.

Very respectfully,

JAMES L. BOTSFORD,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF KANAWHA, DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, Numbers 6.
Winchester, Va., July 22, 1864.

The following will be a temporary organization of the infantry of this command, viz: The First Division, commanded by Colonel J. Thoburn; the Second Division, commanded by Colonel I. H. Duval; the Third Division, commanded by Colonel J. A. Mulligan. The Third Brigade, of the Second Infantry Division, will be temporarily attached to the Third Division and will report to Colonel J. A. Mulligan, without delay.

By command of Major-General Crook:

[B. H. MOORE,]

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. FIRST CALVARY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, Numbers 17.
Near Winchester, Va., July 22, 1864.

I. Colonel Jacob Higgins, Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry, having reported at these headquarters for duty, is hereby assigned to the command of the Second Brigade of this division. He will relieve Lieutenant Colonel George Middleton, who will turn over to him all orders and necessary papers which he may have received from these headquarters.

II. Lieutenant Colonel A. W. Adams, First New York (Lincoln) Cavalry, is hereby assigned to duty with his regiment, and will report to Colonel Higgins, commanding Second Brigade, for duty.

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27 R R-VOL XXXVII, PT II