SPECIAL ORDERS,
WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE, No. 279.
Washington, August 24, 1864.

1. Colonel John A. Elison, quartermaster's department, will report in person, without delay, to Major-General Augur, U. S. Volunteers, to relieve Lieutenant Colonel E. M. Greene, quartermaster's department, in his duties as chief quartermaster, Department of Washington.

Lieutenant-Colonel Greene will turn over to Colonel Elison all money and property in his possession pertaining to the Department of Washington, including the contraband fund.

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By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, 22ND ARMY CORPS,

Washington, D. C., August 24, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel WELLS,

Alexandria:

It is reported that the enemy (supposed to be Mosby) has attacked the stockade at Annandale. Send at once what cavalry you have to that point to find the force of the enemy. Report information.

Respectfully,

J. H. TAYLOR,

Cheef of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General.

ALEXANDRIA, August 24, 1864.

(Received 10.20 a.m.)

Lieutenant Colonel J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General:

An attack was made at Annandale about 5 o'clock this morning; the force is not known. The rebels were driven off. Major-Horto, of Sixteenth New York, is following rebels up. Mosby was said to be in command, and demanded a surrender, which was refused. He had two pieces of cannon, and fired grape and canister. Re-enforcements have been sent from Falls Church. I have also sent out all my cavalry.

Respectfully,

H. H. WELLS,

Lieutenant Colonel and Prov. Mar. General, Defenses South of the Potomac.

ALEXANDRIA, VA., August 24, 1864.

(Received 3.25 p.m.)

Colonel TAYLOR,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: The force attacking at Annandale this morning was Mosby's, between 200 and 300, with artillery. They were repulsed, and retreated through Fairfax Court-House toward Centerville. Our cavalry in pursuit, about one hour and a half behind.*

H. H. WELLS,

Lieutenant-Colonel, &c.

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*See also Wells to Taylor, p. 637.

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