HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
Near Berryville, Va., September 12, 1864 - 10.30 p. m.

[Brigadier-General WILSON:]

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to furnish the following information and instructions:

One division of the Sixth Corps and two brigades of the First Division will move to-morrow morning to the crossing of the Opequon at Seivers' and Locke's Fords, to ascertain the strength, position, and force of the enemy. He directs that you move one of your brigades with two guns to the crossing of the opequon on the Berryville and Winchester pike, and cross, if possible. You are not to engage infantry. In case you effect a crossing, you will press on toward Winchester to find out what they have. The infantry will cross about 9.30 a. m.

Very respectfully,

M. A. RENO,

Captain, &c.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
September 12, 1864 - 8.30 a. m.

General WILSON:

GENERAL: The chief of cavalry desires me to say that General Sheridan has notified him that it has been reported there a=is a rebel cavalry camp at or near White Post, and has directed a reconnaissance in that direction. The chief of cavalry desires you to send out at least a regiment to the Berryville crossing of the Opequon Creek, to ascertain the truth of the above report.

Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant,

WM. RUSSELL, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION,

September 12, 1864.

Brigadier-General McIntosh will make a reconnaissance with his brigade and two guns of Pennigton's battery on the Berryville and Winchester pike, cross the Opequon, if possible, and press on toward Winchester as far as possible without endangering the safety of his command, finding out what the force of the enemy consist of. He will, however, not engage the enemy's infantry. He will start at 8 a. m. to-morrow.

By command of Brigadier-General Wilson:

L. SIEBERT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION,
September 12, 1864.

Brigadier-General McINTOSH,

Commanding First Brigade:

It is reported that a rebel cavalry force is encamped near White Post. You will therefore detach a regiment to make a reconnaissance in that