about 30 of his men. The remainder have come in. I transmit this at the hands of one of the officers who was with the party. The men will be sent immediately.

Respectfully, &c.,

WM. B. TIBBITS,

Brevet Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA,
December 7, 1864.

Major WILLIAM RUSSELL, Jr.,

Assistant Adjutant-General of Cavalry:

MAJOR: The scouts to the fords of the Shenandoah have returned and report all quiet. Lieutenant Holcomb was found at a house near White Post badly wounded. Three of his men were killed; 27 captured. The number of the enemy is estimated at thirty-five. The patrol to Front Royal has not yet returned.

Respectfully, &c.,

WM. B. TIBBITS,

Brevet Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION,
December 7, 1864.

Major T. GIBSON,

Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry:

MAJOR: Information having been received at these headquarters from headquarters cavalry, Middle Military Division, that Major J. M. Daily, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, has been dismissed the service of the United States, the general commanding directs that you assume command of the First Brigade as the senior officer now on duty with it.

Respectfully,

WILL RUMSEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
December 7, 1864.

Brigadier-General STEVENSON:

I had a report this morning that Mosby would collect at Rectortown at 10 o'clock to-day, to raid toward Fairfax Court-House. I think that he did assemble for some purpose. Report also comes in this evening that he is on the Potomac with McCausland near Sandy Hook. I telegraph all this for what it is worth, and to put you on your guard.

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, December 7, 1864.

Major-General SHERIDAN:

I have information to-day that Mosby was in the neighborhood of Leesburg. He certainly is not on Potomac near Sandy Hook. I sent

48 R R-VOL XLIII, PT II