back toward Lynchburg, and it is said intended to go in the direction of Wytheville. I have ordered Custer up the Valley to the James River and across to Lynchburg. I have ordered Torbert to edge in close to the Blue Ridge, so as to avoid the headwaters of the Rapidan, and to strike the railroad at Charlottesville and follow up to Lynchburg, communicate with Custe, and unite with him. Nothing but the extremely bad weather will prevent good results. No artillery was taken and no wagons.

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, No. 27.
December 20, 1864.

The seizure of private property by officers or enlisted men of this army is positively forbidden, except in special cases, when written authority from these headquarters will be given for so doing.

Corps, division, brigade, and regimental commanders, with all other officers, are charged with seeing this order executed.

Any officer witnessing the seizure of property contrary to this order without making every attempt to prevent the same will be brought to trial for disobedience of orders.

Citizens are requested to report in writing to these headquarters violations of this order, giving dates, and, if possible, name and regiment of guilty party, and all facts that may lead to his or their detection.

By command of Major-General Sheridan:

C. KINGSBURY, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, 22ND ARMY CORPS, December 20, 1864.

Major General P. H. SHERIDAN:

I send out 1,000 cavalry to-day on the route indicated in your dispatch of last evening. I am just off for your place.

C. C. AUGUR,
Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, 22ND ARMY CORPS, December 20, 1864.

Major-General AUGUR,

Headquarters Middle Division, near Winchester, Va.:

The report of Sweitzer's capture was incorrect. He had three men wounded and last three horses.

Respectfully,

J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General.