HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
March 7, 1864.

Brigadier-General MERRITT,

Commanding First Division, Cavalry Corps, Cupler:

Has the second reconnaissance you sent out returned as you? How far was it ordered to go? If it goes out enough there will be no necessity of sending out another force to find out about the smoke seen from Pony Mountain; otherwise, General meade directs that you sent you another force, which he says you must get together out of the force you have.

C. ROSS SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps.

CULPEPER, March 7, 1864.

Colonel C. ROSS SMITH,

Chief of Staff:

The second reconnaissance has not returned. It was sent out to beyond where the smoke is reported. I am satisfied it will give a full account of the country to the right.

W. MERRITT,

Brigadier-general.

YORKTOWN, VA., March 7, 1864.

Major-General PLEASONTON,

Commanding Cavalry Corps:

GENERAL: Major-General Butler now informs me that he can cross my command at Urbanna. The dock can easily be repaired. I am getting full rations of hay and grain. Command in good condition.

J. KILPATRICK,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Cavalry.

HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
March 7, 1864.

Brigadier-General KILPATRICK,

Commanding Expedition, &c.:

GENERAL: As soon as the transportation arrives at Yorktown you will embark your command for Alexandria, and return with it to this army as soon as practicable. As transportation cannot be furnished for more than, 1,000 men and horses at one time, you will send them by detachments to Alexandria, and these detachments will march out to the front without awaiting the arrival of others. let the commanders notify general Ingalls, that forage may be supplied on the road.

very respectfully,

A. PLEASONTON,

Major-General, Commanding.