HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADIER, FIRST DIV., 19TH ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE SHENANDOAH,
Camp Russell, va., November 21, 1864.

Major P. FRENCH,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Nineteenth Army Corps:

I respectfully call the attention of the major-general commanding corps to the unwarrantable conduct of the pickets on the right of the First Brigade, First Division, Nineteenth Army Corps. For nearly one hour last evening the yelling, screaming, an cheering was shameful in the extreme, to say nothing of the constant firing. At least thirty muskets were discharged in less than half an hour. I would further report that I visited the pickets of the whole corps once during the day and at 4.30 this morning. With the exception of one brigade (Fourth, of the Second Division), I found them vigilant and attentive. This brigade was not deployed till some minutes after 6 o'clock. The Third Brigade, First Division, picket remain on post two days, their brigade out on reconnaissance.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. A. DUDLEY,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

HEADQUARTERS NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Camp Russell, November 21, 1864.

Brevet Major General C. GROVER, Commanding Second Division:

GENERAL: In pursuance of orders from headquarters Middle Military Division, you will detailed from your command one good-sized regiment to report to headquarters Middle Military Division, without delay, fur duty on the road between here and Winchester, for the safe passage of a supply train.

by order of Brawet Major-General Emory:

PETER FRENCH,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
November 21, 1864.

Brigadier-General DUVAL, Commanding Army of West virginia:

GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to inform your that the cavalry on your left has been without. The general directs you send one regiment over to the crossing of the Opequon Creek by the Front Royal pike.

Very respectfully,

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF WEST VIRGINIA,
November 21, 1864.

Colonel T. M. HARRIS, Commanding First Infantry Division:

COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you send one regiment from your command to the crossing of the Opequon Creek by the Front Royal pike. Have them proceed at once. The cavalry on our left has been withdrawn.

Very respectfully, &c.,

WM. McKINLEY, JR.,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.