MUDDY BRANCH, August 26, 1864.

(Received 6 p.m.)

Lieutenant Colonel J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff:

COLONEL: If the river is to be left open the enemy can cross two or three at a time and concentrate in the woods quite a little force. I find on my return something like thirty or forty over in rear. It will require larger guard at telegraph station, Darnestown. My regimental property will be much exposed.

Respectfully,

JNO. M. WAITE,

Major, &c.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, 22ND ARMY CORPS,
Washington, D. C., August 26, 1864.

Colonel H. M. LAZELLE

Commanding Cavalry Brigade.

COLONEL: The major-general commanding desires that you prepare your regiment, the Sixteenth New York Cavalry, for active service, with as little delay as practicable. You will be expected to scout, in conjunction with the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, in the direction of Upperville. Please inform these headquarters whey your people will be ready.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, No. 180.
August 26, 1864

* * * * *

5. Pursuant with instructions received from headquarters Middle Military Division, directing Brigadier General D. D. Bidwell to remain on duty with this corps, he is hereby assigned to the command of the Third Brigade, Second Division.

By command of Major-General Wright:

C. H. WHITTELSEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,

Halltown, Va., August 26, 1864-2 p.m.

Brevet Major General GEORGE CROOK,

Commanding Army of West Virginia:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you make a strong reconnaissance in your front at 4 p.m to-day with one division of your army. The general also instructs me to say that he will visit you headquarters in the course of an hour.

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

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.

P. S. - The reconnaissance should be make on the left of your line.

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.