with what they can collect they will make a raid in the direction of Fairfax. These reports have always to be taken with great allowance; so I send it for what it is worth.

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General.

FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, December 7, 1864.

(Received 6.30 p. m.)

Major-General AUGUR:

Three refugees came in last night to Fairfax Station from Lynchburg, Va. They state they left Lynchburg last Thursday by railway to Gordonsville; thence on foot by Culpeper and Warrenton. They neither saw nor heard of troops in or around any of those places, except a small provost guard at Lynchburg and Gordonsville. At Warrenton they heard that Mosby had been there last Saturday forwarding conscripts.

W. GAMBLE,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, 22ND ARMY CORPS,
Washington, D. C., December 7, 1864.

Colonel WILLIAM GAMBLE,

Commanding at Fairfax Court-House:

The following telegram* has just been received from Major-General Sheridan. Have your command in readiness for anything that may come. Keep scouts well out to give you timely warning.

C. C. AUGUR,

Major-General, Commanding.

FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, VA., December 7, 1864.

(Received 4.50 p. m.)

Major General C. C. AUGUR,

Commanding Department:

Dispatch received. Will be in readiness for the enemy.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. GAMBLE,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST SEPARATE BRIGADE,
Fairfax Court-House, Va., December 7, 1864.

Colonel CHARLES ALBIRGHT,

Commanding at Fairfax Station:

You will have your command supplied with ammunition and be in readiness for an attack at any moment. Strength your line in the direction of Rectortown, and direct Captain Wing to throw his cavalry pickets well to the front. Have your artillery in position.

By order of Colonel Gamble:

CHAS. I. WICKERSHAM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*See Sheridan to Augur, 11 a. m., p. 750.

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