HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION,
September 7, 1864-9 p. m.

Camp. M. A. RENO,

Chief of Staff, Cavalry Force, Middle Military Division:

CAPTAIN: The reconnaissance to Salem Chapel has returned without meeting any of the enemy's forces in that vicinity. The regiment on its return struck the Winchester and Berryville pike close by the Limestone Ridge, where they found the enemy's pickets, driving them off after a brief skirmish. They could notice from there many camp[fires in the direction of the Opequon, and heard from citizens that the position of the enemy's forces was the same as before the recent movements. Early's headquarters are reported to be on the Berryville and Winchester pike a short distance beyond the Opequon.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. WILSON,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

HAPER'S FERRY, W. VA., September 7, 1864.

(Received 1.30 p. m.)

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

An intelligent officer just from the front reports that the enemy have retired from General Sheridan's front. I shall doubtless hear the facts this evening, and will promptly report.

JNO. D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General, &c.

HARPER'S FERRY, September 7, 1864.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

All reports from front confirm the retiring of the enemy. A heavy cavalry reconnaissance is being made in the direction of Winchester. Deserters and prisoners report the enemy falling back to Fisher's Hill.

Nothing from General Sheridan on the subject.

JNO. D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, September 7, 1864.

W. P. SMITH,

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Baltimore, Md.:

General Sheridan only desires road to be put in running order from here to Martinsburg. Can you do this?

Answer this evening.

JNO. D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.