HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, August 18, 1864-3.30 p.m.

General W. MERRITT,
Commanding First Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: I this a.m. sent a squadron of Ninth New York with orders to strike the Berryville and Winchester pike near the Opequon, communicate with Colonel Lowell, and thence return to the left of my lines, sending scouts to all elevated points where a view could be obtained of the country beyond. The squadron has just returned after communicating with Colonel Lowell and carrying out the other instructions. No enemy could be seen, although views were obtained of miles of the country in front. The Second Cavalry were met establishing a line of vedettes from my right to Lowell's left. I have just made a tour of my lines and found everything quiet.

Very respectfully, yours,

THOS. C. DEVIN,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

COLONEL LOWELL'S HEADQUARTERS, August 18, 1864.

Brigadier-General MERRITT,

Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: The colonel fell back about one mile. No position here for artillery. The enemy is quiet; no firing. Some cavalry and infantry. It appears as if they were reconnoitering. The picket-line of Colonel Lowell has not yet succeeded to connect with General Wilson's. The colonel gave orders for the battery to halt.

N. B.-I went ahead of the artillery.

Very respectfully,

EDW. MYERS,

Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, Summit Point, Va., August 18, 1864.

General WILSON,
Commanding Third Division:

GENERAL: The chief of cavalry directs that you make dispositions to hold the crossing of the Opequon Creek from Summit Point. The regiment now at the forks of the road at the church be sent to that point.

Very respectfully,

M. A. RENO,

Captain and Chief of Staff.

Frequent reports must be made from this regiment.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, August 18, 1864-9 a.m.

Captain RENO,

Chief of Staff:

CAPTAIN: A scout has just reached here from General Averell's command by way of Smithfield, from which place he was sent by Captain