HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
January 28, 1864.

Brigadier-General GREGG,

Commanding Cavalry Corps:

The following is respectfully forwarded:

Major General A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

The following report has just been received and is respectfully forwarded:

"SIGNAL STATION, GARNETT'S MOUNTAIN,

"January 28, 1864-5 p. m.

"Captain NORTON,

"Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac:

"During yesterday and to-day I have noticed large camp smokes to the west of Thoroughfare Mountain; also in the woods to the south and north of Thoroughfare Mountain there are smokes indicating the presence of troops, but too much concealed by woods for any reliable estimate of their numbers. This would seem to confirm the reports of contrabands forwarded this morning.

"J. C. WIGGINS,

"Lieutenant and Signal Officer. "

Very respectfully,

L. B. NORTON,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
January 28, 1864.

Brigadier-General MERRITT:

From a report from a signal station at Garnett's Mountain it represent contrabands arriving last night report Stuart on the western slope of Thoroughfare Mountain. The general commanding desires that you will ascertain if there is any truth in the report, and be on the watch for any movement that might be attempted. Forward any information as soon as possible.

C. ROSS SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.

CULPEPER, January 28, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel C. ROSS SMITH,

Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps:

The reconnaissance sent out to Thoroughfare Mountain reports that there is no enemy in that neighborhood, nor is there any foundation for the reports that Stuart is in that neighborhood.

W. MERRITT,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION,
January 28, 1864-9. 30 p. m.

Colonel P. HUEY,

Commanding Second Brigade, Second Division:

COLONEL: You will move with the available force of your brigade from your camp at 1 a. m. to-morrow, taking with you Egan's battery and the ambulances sent by the surgeon-in-chief of the division. You will move to Stevensburg and there remain until you receive