HDQRS. FIRST DIV., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Harper's Ferry, W. Va., March 29, 1864.

Captain THAYER MELVIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of West Virginia:

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to state, for the information of the major-general commanding, that owing to the order furloughing the Maryland troops who have been guarding the railroad and fords from this point to be Monocacy, an dht order prohibiting me from removing my troops from Martinsburg, I am unable to guard the road and fords below so as to prevent smuggling or travel through the lines. At this post, after making the necessary details for guards to the bridges, approaches to the town, and for the Government stores, I have not a man left for any other purpose, not even for the necessary reliefs.

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

J. C. SULLIVAN,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIV., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Martinsburg, March 29, 1864.

Major-General SIGEL,

Cumberland:

Deserter from Rosser's brigade reports that he left Rosser at Sperryville a week ago yesterday; other cavalry was encamped near there; they had orders that day to be provided with five days' cooked rations.

WM. W. AVERELL,

Brigadier-General.

PICKET RESERVE ON WINCHESTER ROAD,

March 29, 1864.

Captain WILL RUMSEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

CAPTAIN: My scouts report no forces in the valley this side of Harrisonburg, but report that the rebels have shut the blockade and will allow no one to pass either up or down the valley. All is quiet along the lines.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. W. MILES,

Captain, Commanding Pickets.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
Fort Monroe, March 29, 1864.

Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding off Newport News:

ADMIRAL: You may have some interest in the reports of which inclosed telegram will give yu the falsity, and I therefore take leave to send it for your information. *

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

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*See Wistar to Butler, p. 258.

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