for effective operations. Until this is done, and you have more effective troops of this branch in your command, I do not deem it good policy to make any important offensive movements, except for the purpose above mentioned. I expect soon to have a chief of cavalry in this department, who will at an early day communicate further with you on this subject.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. SIGEL,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, CAVALRY DIVISION,
March 24, 1864.

[Captain RYMSEY:]

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report all quiet on and in front of our line. I am informed that General Rosser has been ordered to Richmond with his command. Mosby was seen on the right bank of the river with a few men Tuesday, 22nd instant. The First New York Cavalry will be in Frederick to-day. I have sent Lieutenant Wyckoff there to order them on immediately.

Your obedient servant,

R. F. TAYLOR,

Colonel, Commanding First Brigade.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Cumberland, Md., March 24, 1864.

Brigadier General J. C. SULLIVAN,

Commanding First Division, Harper's Ferry, W. Va.:

GENERAL: By special orders this day issued Captain Kusserow's battery is ordered to this point. I am directed by the major-general commanding to if norm you that this has been deemed necessary on account of this position being at this time greatly exposed, and it was not seen that a battery could not be ordered here so well as from your command. Please indicate whether in your judgment one or more batteries can hereafter be spread from your division should they be needed elsewhere.

I am, very respectfully, &c.,

T. MELVIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CUMBERLAND, March 24, 1864.

Brigadier-General AVERELL:

Is there a good road for teams and artillery from Martinsburg to Hancock, and would it be a good point for a pontoon bridge in regard to the span and current of the river?

F. SIGEL,

Major-General.

GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MID. DEPT., 8TH ARMY CORPS, Numbers 17.
Baltimore, Md., March 24, 1864.

The Third Separate Brigade is hereby organized, to be commanded by Brigadier General H. H. Lockwood, U. S. Volunteers, headquarters in