these divisions were in the Valley. Averell is at Martinsburg, or in vicinity. A scout from North Mountain reports no rebel troops in direction of Hancock, on the upper Potomac. My command is well in hand, and I am anxiously awaiting news from the operations of the cavalry.

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General.

GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE, No. 248.
Washington, August 30, 1864.

Major General D. Hunter is relieved from command of the Department of West Virginia, and Brevet Major General George Crook is assigned to the command in his place.

By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, No. 20.
Charlestown, W. Va., August 30, 1864.

* * * * * *

5. Colonel Louis P. Di Cesnola, Fourth New York Cavalry, will at once proceed to Harper's Ferry, W. Va., to be mustered out of service by assistant commissary of musters, First Cavalry Division, in accordance with Circular No. 36, Adjutant-General's Office, 1864.

6. Brevet Brigadier General George L. Beal, having reported to these headquarters in compliance with orders from War Department, is assigned to duty with the Nineteenth Corps, and will report accordingly to Brevet Major-General Emory for orders.

7. Lieutenant Edward L. Halsted, Signal Corps, U. S. Army, is announced as acting chief signal officer on the staff of the major-general commanding, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly.

8. Captain F. E. Town, Signal Corps, U. S. Army, and party, having reported to these headquarters in compliance with orders from the War Department, is assigned to such duty as may be designated by the acting chief signal officer, in the name of the major-general commanding.

* * * * * *

By command of Major-General Sheridan:

C. KINGSBURY, JR.,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,

Charlestown, Va., August 30, 1864.

Corps commanders are authorized to order up the regimental teams of their commands for the purpose of making out muster-rolls, &c. The wagons ordered must be held in readiness to be moved back to Bolivar Heights at a moment's notice.

By command of Major-General Sheridan:

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.