CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, October 24, 1864.

The following, received from His Excellency the President, will be read at the head of every regiment in this command at 4 p. m. this day:

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, OCTOBER 22, 1864.

Major-General SHERIDAN:

With great pleasure I tender to you and you brave army the thanks of the nation and my own personal admiration ada gratitude from the month's operations in the shenandoah Valley, and especially for the splendid work of October 19, 1864.

Your obedient servant,

ABRAHAN LINCOLN.

By command of Major-General sheridan:

C. KINGSBUBY, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Memorandum for the adjutant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington city, October 24, 1864.

Ordered, That during the absence of Major-General augur in the field, Brevet Major-General Meigs be, and he is hereby, assigned to the command of the defenses of Washington, of the troops of the Veteran and that he be specially charged with the proper protection of the military stores, depots, arsenals, and other public property within the and precaution are used against surprise and attack at all bridges, roads, avenue, and approaches to the city; will make proper inspections of all guards and sentinels and defensive arrangements, and, in general, will take such measures as may be necessary for the efficient protection of the national capital and of the public and private property therein. He will report from time to time to the Chief of staff, or Secretary of War, for instruction when needed.

By order of the Secretary of War:

JAS. A. HARDIE,

Colonel and Inspector-General.

RECTORTOWN, October 24, 1864.

(Received 11. 35 a. m.)

Colonel J. H. TAYLOR,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I am just starting colonel Thom and Colonel alexander to Washington. Send a messenger to Colonel Alexander's office for this man Dickman to meet them at he depot on Maryland avenue when the train arrives, about 7 p. m.

AUGUR.