Sixth Corps, and two or three regiments of Third Division, Sixth Corps, [and the enemy,] in which the enemy was driven from a strong crest, and the crest held.

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General.

GENERAL ORDERS,
WAR DEP., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE, No. 259. Washington, September 21, 1864.

Major General P. H. Sheridan is assigned by the President permanently to the command of the Middle Military Division, consisting of the Middle Department, the Departments of Washington, of the Susquehana, and of West Virginia, to which he was temporarily assigned by General Orders, No. 240.

By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

STRASBURG, VA., September 21, 1864-9.30 p. m.

Major General C. C. AUGUR,

Washington, D. C.:

I wish you to send to Winchester all the available troops possible, to the number of between 4,000 and 5,000, without delay, to relieve the troops left there to guard my communications. If necessity should require, they can be returned at short notice. Mosby is undoubtedly wounded.

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, 22ND ARMY CORPS,
Washington, D. C., September 21, 1864.

Major J. M. WAITE,

Commanding Eighth Illinois Cavalry, near Darnestown:

Send at once all detachments belonging to the First and Third Division, Cavalry Corps, including Reserve Brigade, to rejoin their regiment via Harper's Ferry. If necessary, the command will delay until it receives the quartermaster's stores drawn this day for issue to it. Report departure and strength. Lieutenant Carr is in the Old Capitol prison.

Respectfully,

J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General.

MUDDY BRANCH, September 21, 1864-3 p. m.

(Received 4 p. m.)

Lieutenant-Colonel TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: Fords above Monocacy are not now picketed. Of course, you are aware my companies, Eighth Illinois, are much reduced; presume I am not expected to picket the line twenty-five miles, guard telegraph station, &c., with eight small companies. Hope you will send me my other battalion.

Respectfully,

JNO. M. WAITE,

Major, Commanding.