followed the railroad some distance. Three or four bridges were burned by the rebels, one of which was over Goose Creek, above Piedmont. I found the country very rugged and mountainous. A body of about 125 rebel cavalry fled from Piedmont as soon as we came within sight. No other troops were visible.

I extended my tour through the mountainous region toward the river, passing through Paris. I found everything perfectly quiet, and a general expression of sympathy for the cause of the Union in many places.

At Piedmont I learned from a man formerly of Pittsburgh, Pa., that it is generally conceded that Jackson's force on the other side of the river does not exceed 5,000 men besides Ashby's cavalry.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. W. GEARY,

Colonel Twenty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Vols., Commanding

WASHINGTON, D. C.,

March 17, 1862-6.50 p.m.

General N. P. BANKS,

Commanding Army Corps, Harper's Ferry:

The major-general commanding directs that you leave all of General Shields' division to guard the valley of the Shenandoah until the Manassas Gap Railroad is repaired.

Please inform me at what time your division will probably reach Centreville.

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

WASHINGTON, D. C., March 17, 1862.

General JAMES SHIELDS,

Winchester:

Movements will be arranged to your satisfaction I think, and much as I supposed when I left you. I return immediately.

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, &c.

HEADQUARTERS SHIELDS' BRIGADE,
March 17-4.30 p.m.

Brigadier General S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I have the honor to report the following as the present strength and condition of my command:

Available. Aggregate.

14th Indiana Volunteers,

Lieutenant-Colonel Harrow.............. 744 908

4th Ohio Volunteers,

Colonel John S. Mason..................... 397 992

8th Ohio Volunteers,

Colonel S. S. Carroll..................... 476 852

7th Virginia Volunteers,

Colonel Evans.......................... --- 864

67th Ohio Volunteers,

Colonel Bustenbinder................... 503 1,023

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Total.................................. 2,707 5,532

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