22. The Fifteenth New York Independent Battery (now of a reduced strength) will be sent forthwith to Cumberland, Md. (the quartermaster's department furnishing transportation), there to be consolidated with the Thirty-second New York Battery (also reduced), the consolidated force to bear the designation of the Thirty-second New York Independent Battery. For the battery five officers of the legal grades to be selected by the commanding general Middle Military Division. The commanding general Middle Military Division will charge the proper commissary of musters with the execution of this order. The consolidate effected, the commissary of musters will forward to this office the transfer rolls as directed by Circular No. 64, August 18, 1864, from this office.

By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
December 16, 1864.

General CUSTER:

Cavalry headquarters moves this a. m. to Winchester, and will occupy Mrs. Schultz's house to the left and rear of army headquarters.

Very respectfully, &c.,

WM. RUSSELL, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MARTINSBURG, December 16, 1864.

Brigadier-General STEVENSON:

Any news from front? Heavy firing has been heard here this afternoon.

W. H. SEWARD,

Brigadier-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, VA., December 16, 1864.

Brigadier-General SEWARD:

Sheridan fired a salute of 100 guns for Thomas' and Shermand's successes. I followed suit.

JNO. D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.

CUMBERLAND, December 16, 1864-10 a. m.

Major-General CROOK,

Kernstown:

The scout sent out from New Creek yesterday returned this a. m. Report that the enemy, 1,000 strong, left Petersburg on Monday last, going in the direction of the Shenandoah Valley, driving all the stock they could collect-horses, mules, cattle, sheep, and hogs; even took the