SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION, No. 85. September 5, 1864.

1. Captain T. A. Boice, Fifth New York Cavalry, is hereby detailed for special duty and will report at these headquarters at once.

2. Brigade commanders will send in the names of five of the most daring and enterprising men in each regiment of their commands, to be put under charge of Captain Boice for special duty. These men will be selected with care and only such will be recommended as are sure to be a credit to their regiment and the division in every particular. The immediate attention of brigade commanders is invited to this matter.

By command of Brigadier-General Wilson:

L. SIEBERT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION,

September 5, 1864.

Brigadier-General McINTOSH:

GENERAL: In accordance with orders received from General Torbert, you will proceed with your brigade, at daylight to-morrow morning, toward Winchester for the purpose of obtaining information regarding the enemy's movements. Reconnaissances sent out in front of Generals Crook and Meritt to-day report no enemy. Push your observation as far as it is safe to trust your command.

By command of Brigadier-General Wilson:

E. B. BEAUMONT,

Captain and Aide-de-Camp, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DISTRICT OF HARPER'S FERRY,
Harper's Ferry, september 5, 1864-8.30 a. m.

(Received 9 a. m.)

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

There was considerable skirmishing along the lines at intervals yesterday, but nothing of any magnitude. An ambulance train was attacked between Charlestown and Berryville, and most of it captured. The indications are that there will be a general engagement this evening or in the morning. Our forces are on a line about two miles this side of Berryville, the enemy in their front. Shall report from time to time anything of importance that occurs.

Respectfully,

JOHN D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, September 5, 1864-9 p. m.

(Received 9.10 p. m.)

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Heard from front this evening. No change in position of the armies; they still confront each other. General Sheridan looks upon a general engagement as probable at any moment. The captures of ambulances

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