executed your orders. I hope you will continue to harass the enemy's troops as much as possible, and retain his efforts to exercise civil authority in the counties in which you are operating. I inclose a copy* of a letter written some time since, in case the original should not have reached you, and call your attention to the instructions it contains.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

[SEPTEMBER 20, 1864.-For Lee to Seddon, reporting Early's operations on September 19, see Part I, p. 552.]

PETERSBURG, September 20, 1864.

General R. H. ANDERSON,

Culpeper, Va.:

General Early has been compelled to retire to Fisher's Hill, having sustained severe loss. If he calls upon you to re-enforce him send Kershaw's division with Cutshaw's battalion.

R. E. LEE.

PETERSBURG, September 20, 1864.

General R. H. ANDERSON,

Culpeper, Va.:

Dispatch* of to-day received. Remain and report condition of affairs. Cutshaw's battalion, I fear, will be wanted in the Valley.

R. E. LEE.

GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT, No. --.
September 20, 1864.

Major General S. D. Ramseur will assume command of the division formerly commanded by Major General R. E. Rodes, and Brigadier General John Pegram will take command of Early's old division.

By order of Lieutenant General J. A. Early:

A. S. PENDLETON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT,
September 20, 1864.

Major General JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to instruct you to be on the alert, as the enemy is advancing from Winchester, his infantry passing Middletown.

Respectfully, &c.,

A. S. PENDLETON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*Not found.

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