CHAFFIN'S BLUFF, October 1, 1864.

(Received 1.30 p. m.)

Honorable J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War:

General Early reports that all the enemy's cavalry had retired toward Harrisonburg, and there is no force of enemy south of North River.

R. E. LEE.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.

Richmond, October 3, 1864.

General R. E. LEE,

Chaffin's Bluff:

The following just received from telegraphic operator at Gordonsville:

We are expecting the enemy in here every minute. They are advancing on this place; two regiments of cavalry and artillery are only twelve miles off.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

CHAFFIN'S BLUFF, October 4, 1864.

(Received 9.45 a. m.)

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War:

General Early moved to the vicinity of Mount Crawford on the 1st instant. The enemy is north of North River, his cavalry occupying the north bank of that stream; his infantry near Harrisonburg. After slight skirmishing enemy's cavalry fell back from Mount Crawford.

R. E. LEE.

CHAFFIN'S BLUFF, October 4, 1864.

(Received 9.55 a. m.)

Hon JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War:

Our cavalry on the Rapidan report about 250 of enemy's cavalry at Brandy Station, and a force of infantry at Bealeton Station. Bridge at Rappahannock Station being rebuilt.

R. E. LEE.

CHAFFIN'S BLUFF, October 5, 1864.

Major General J. C. BRECKINRIDGE,

Abingdon, Va.:

I am much pleased at Witcher's success*. I wish you to repel the enemy, and, if possible, re-enforce Early so that I can recall Kershaw; the necessity is urgent.

R. E. LEE.

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*See Part I, p. 639.

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