HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, November 4, 1864.

Colonel A. C. M. PENNINGTON,
Commanding First Brigade:

COLONEL: Pursuant to instructions just received from the chief of cavalry, you will send out a reconnaissance of one regiment [First Connecticut] up the Back road to-morrow a.m. at daylight, to ascertain the whereabouts of the enemy, and whether there is any movement in his front in this direction. You will also send one regiment [Third New Jersey] up the valley west of the Little North Mountain for the same purpose. Direct the officers in command to push out well and to gain all the information possible.

By command of Brevet Major-General Custer:

L. SIEBERT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST INFANTRY DIVISION, ARMY OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Cedar Creek, Va., November 4, 1864.

Captain WILLIAM MCKINLEY,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of West Virginia:

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that a wagon and escort of eight mounted men from the provost guard of this division, sent by Captain I. A. Rosekrans, acting commissary of subsistence, to Newtown for subsistence stores, was attacked this afternoon, about one mile and a half this side of Newtown, by guerrillas, and six of the escort were either killed or captured, together with the wagon and team, consisting of six mules, and six of the horses rode by the escort. This expedition was sent out by the captain on his own responsibility, and without my knowledge.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. M. HARRIS,

Colonel, Commanding Division.

WASHINGTON, November 4, 1864-12 m.

Brigadier-General STEVENSON:

It is reported that Rosser is at Leesburg with brigade. General Sheridan should be informed of this, and disposition made to prevent him from crossing the river.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

POINT OF ROCKS, November 4, 1864. [Received 4 a.m.]

Brigadier-General STEVENSON:

GENERAL: I received information of the rebels being in Leesburg at 8 this a.m. Sent scout immediately, who report that they found the rebel picket-post within one mile and a half of Leesburg. Found them to be of White's and Mosby's commands, whose force numbers from