ALEXANDRIA, VA., October 1, 1864-10.40 p. m.

Lieutenant Colonel J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and A. A. G., Hdqrs. Dept. of Washington:

COLONEL: The telegraph wire is down in many places between this point and Bull Run. It will doubtless be in working condition by daylight to-morrow to that point. There being no spare operator at this place, we will be unable to get any definite information until the telegraph construction train returns, which is expected to-night. An operator has been found, who will go out in the morning.

Respectfully,

JNO. P. SLOUGH..

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE,
Near Fort Buffalo, Va., October 1, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred in this vicinity since last report. Colonel Lazelle left this morning at 3 a. m. with 400 men.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. S. GANSEVOORT,

Colonel Thirteenth New York Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
Harrisburg, Va., October 1, 1864.

General MERRITT,

First Division:

GENERAL: The cavalry trains will reach this place to-night. Your train will be sent you to-morrow a. m., leaving here at daylight. I am directed by the chief of cavalry to say that he desires you to delay the movement of the two brigades previously ordered until the subsistence has been issued to them.

Very respectfully,

WM. RUSSELL, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
October 1, 1864-9 a. m.

Brigadier-General MERRITT,

Commanding First Division:

I have just received another order to send a party to Stanardsville. This order I sent you yesterday, and I presume it has been attended to. It is supposed that the enemy's cavalry will attempt a raid on our trains via the east slope of the Blue Ridg. Your dispatch and General Devin's report has just been received. General Sheridan wishes to know whether the road in Brown's Gap has been blockaded by fallen timber or not. General Sheridan is very much annoyed that he does not get some information about the enemy through Swift Run or Brown's Gaps. Keep parties out constantly to find out where the enemy are. Send all sheep and cattle not required for immediate use to these headquarters to be taken to the rear by an infantry guard. I presume the