HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT,
December 10, 1863-11 a. m. (Via Harrisonburg.)

General R. E. LEE:

Reported advance of Averell turns out to have been a raiding party of seventy-five men, who crossed from Hardy and burned Columbia Furnace and retreated down the Valley. I have three companies in pursuit.

J. D. IMBODEN,

Brigadier-General.

[29.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARTILLERY, LONGSTREET'S CORPS, Numbers 20.
Petersburg, December 10, 1863.

Pursuant to Special Orders, Numbers 290 (a copy of which annexed*), I have established my headquarters in the city of Petersburg, and from this date assume the immediate command of the battalions of light artillery of Longstreet's corps near this city. Commanding officers will cause all reports to be made directly, and all papers of whatever nature requiring action of any higher authority will be required to pass through these headquarters.

J. B. WALTON,
Colonel and Chief of Artillery.

[29.]

DECEMBER 11, 1863.

General EWELL:

GENERAL: I send both of Imboden's telegrams to General Lee. I presume the inclosed to you, from the general, was sent after he had received the first and before he had received the second, stating that the reported advance was but a raiding party, &c. Copies of both of Imboden's dispatches were sent to General Stuart. Respectfully,

W. H. TAYLOR,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[29.]

CAMP NEAR NEW MARKET, December 12, 1863.

(Via Staunton 8.35 a. m. 13th.)

General R. E. LEE:

The enemy was in Front Royal last evening in considerable force. No report of further advance.

CHAS. T. O'FERRALL,

Major, &c.

[29.]

STAUNTON, VA., December 13, 1863-12 midnight.

General R. E. LEE:

Have been skirmishing with Averell's advance for two hours at McDowell. Don't expect general attack till to-morrow. Hope confidently to defeat him at this pass, but apprehend he will move toward Warm Springs, and force me to fall back toward Buffalo Gap or Goshen.

J. D. IMBODEN.

[29.]

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*See December 7, ante.

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