mounted and act as scouts. I have sent a copy of the same to General Early at Staunton:

BONSACK'S, December 21, 1863.

Brigadier-General NICHOLLS:

Lieutenant R. T. Bosher has just returned form scout. He reports that engagement is going on about twelve miles from Fincastle, at Junction Store. I have sent out another scout to Fincastle and will report as soon as he comes in.

VAN R. OTEY.

F. T. NICHOLLS,

Brigadier-General.

[29.]

JACKSON'S RIVER, December 21, 1863.

Major-General EARLY,

Harrisonburg, Va.:

Fitz. Lee is after Averell, crossing to-day about 10 o'clock a. m. severav miles above here. Averell is evidently gone toward White Sulphur Springs, and will take, no doubt, Anthony's Creek route; if he does not, he will go down the Kanawha Valley. I heard nothing from Echols. If Fitz. Lee's horses will stand it, he will overtake Averell. Owing to the delay I am still gathering prisoners. If you to not telegraph otherwise I will move my infantry to Warm Springs to-morrow. Ruffner has returned from his scouts and confirms the above.

WM. L. JACKSON,

Colonel.

[29.]

HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY, LONGSTREET'S CORPS,
December 22, 1863.

Major C. PICKETT,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: I have the honor to report the return of Captain Miller's battery, Washington Artillery, form Lynchburg this morning.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. B. WALTON,

Colonel and Chief of Artillery, Commanding.

[29.]

GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
ARMY OF NORHTERN VIRGINIA, Numbers 9.
December 23, 1863.

Major George Freaner, Provisional Army, C. S. having reported for duty in accordance with his commission, is hereby announced as assistant insepctor-general of the Cavalry Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly.

By command of Major General J. E. B. Stuart:

A. R. VENABLE,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[29.]

ORANGE COURT-HOUSE, [December], 24, 1863.

General J. A. EARLY, New Market:

Dispatch of 24th recieved. Use all the Valley troops in bringing out provisions with Rosser [and] such of Fitz. Lee's cavalry that may be necessary. Post the infantry where needed. Support your operations. If all of Fitz. Lee's cavalry is not needed return what is not required.

R. E. LEE,

General.

[29.]