GROVE CHURCH, VA., March 17, 1864.

Captain E. B. Parsons,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Corps:

Arrived here at half-past 5 p. m. with my command, 179 men.

Think my force too small. The country is full of scouts. Have sent a force as directed.

T. M. BRYAN,

Colonel, Commanding Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry.

P. S. -Orderly awaits at Bealeton till daylight.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
March 17, 1864.

Brigadier-General KILPAtrick,

Commanding Third Cavalry Division:

The general commanding directs that you re-enforce Colonel Bryan with 125 men early in the morning.

C. ROSS SMITH,

Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps.

HDQRS. FIRST DIV., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Harper's ferry, W. Va., March 17, 1864.

Captain THAYER MELVIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General, department of West Va.:

I have the honor to state, for the information of the major-general commanding, that in my opinion the force now within this division is inadequate to garrison Maryland Heights and vicinity. This is owing to the large number of men at present on furlough as veteran volunteers, and the number of men required to guard the railroad between Monocacy bridge and Sleepy Creek. In my judgment three more regiments of infantry should be sent here.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. SULLIVAN,

Brigadier-General.

CUMBERLAND, March 17, 1864.

Brigadier General W. W. AVERELL,

Martinsburg:

Special Orders, Numbers 51. The Fifth West Virginia Cavalry will proceed to Cumberland, md., and report through the commanding officer to these headquarters.

By order of Major-General Sigel:

T. MELVIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. FOURTH DIV., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Martinsburg, March 17, 1864.

Major-General SIGEL,

Commanding Department, Cumberland:

Shall establish picket-line for the present from Shenandoah, opposite Charlestown, to Ganotown, on Back Creek, with patrols up to