of officers who are wholly disinterested regarding the question to be decided, let this board have authority to summon officers as witnesses, and to receive the evidence which may be produced. In that way the facts of the case may be arrived at. I inclose a card taken from the New York Daily Times of the 28th.* As that is a matter in which every officer and soldier in my command is deeply interested, I trust my application will receive a favorable consideration.

I am, major, very respectfully, yours, &c.

G. A. CUSTER,

Brevet Major-General, Commanding Third Division.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION,
November 15, 1864

Major WILLIAM RUSSELL, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry, Middle Military Division:

MAJOR: In compliance with Special Orders, No., 78, from your headquarters, I have the honor to report the following:

Captured from the enemy since the beginning of the campaign; 51 pieces of artillery, 30 caissons, 1 battery wagon, 44 army wagons, 23 spring wagons and ambulances, 1 medicine wagon, 243 horses, 182 mules, 207 sets artillery harness, 197 sets wagon harness, wagons containing ordnance stores, 152 head beef-cattle, 180 horses captured and branded.

Destroyed during the campaign; 3 caissons, 4 army wagons, 4 spring wagons and ambulances; 10 mills, valued at $20,000; 150 barns, containing 1,500 tons hay, valued at $30,000; Staunton railroad and railroad property, valued at $30,000; 10,000 bushels wheat, valued at $20,000; 2,000 bushels oats and rye, valued at $3,000; 400 head sheep, 100 head cattle, driven to near our lines. Lost, 4 blacksmith forges.

I am, very respectfully, &c.,

G. A. CUSTER,

Brevet Major-General, Commanding Third Division.

No. 158. Reports of Brigadier General John B. McIntosh, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade of operations September 13 and 17.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION,
September 13, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that I moved from camp this morning with the Second Ohio, Third New Jersey, Fifth New York, First Connecticut and Second New York Regiments of Cavalry and with one section of Battery M, Second U. S. Artillery. I was ordered to make a reconnaissance on the Berryville and Winchester pike and to cross the Opequon, if possible, to find out what the force of the enemy consisted of on that road or vicinity. I endeavored to capture the enemy's picket at Limestone Ridge, which was about fifty strong.

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*Inclosure not found.

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34 R R-VOL XLIII, PT I