Millwood and other points in the Valley. I have been thus particular in the foregoing because these men are the most intelligent, truthful, and reliable men that I have seen. All quiet here. Snow melting very fast. Fitz Lee's and Early's headquarters were at Staunton; Rosser's was at Swoope's Depot.

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Chief of Staff.

CITY POINT, VA., February 16, 1865-12 p. m.

Major-General HANCOCK,

Washington:

If you desire it, Major-General Schurz can be ordered to report to you to assist in raising your corps and to command a division when raised. I think he might be of much service in the West in raising troops.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST SEPARATE BRIGADE,
Fairfax Court-House, Va., February 16, 1865-2 p. m.

Lieutenant Colonel J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff, Department of Washington:

COLONEL: The squadron of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry sent out on a scout to the vicinity of Aldie last night has just returned. Eleven rebel cavalry, with horses and equipments, were captured and brought in, without the loss of a man or horse on our part. A written report of the scout by Captain Corbit, the officer in charge, will be forwarded to-morrow.*

Respectfully,

WM. GAMBLE,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
February 16, 1865.

Brigadier General T. C. DEVIN,

Commanding at Lovettsville, Va.:

Information from headquarters Middle Military Division shows Rosser's command at Swoope's Station, on the Virginia Central Railroad, near Buffalo Gap. It is not probable that he is in Loudoun County. I am directed to say you should send out scouting parties of satisfy yourself regarding the safety of your train.

WM. RUSSELL, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CLARKSBURG, W. VA., February 16, 1865.

Major CHARLES H. DAY,

Bulltown:

The post commander at Parkersburg telegraphs that he has information this p. m. that about 200 of Bill Jackson's command have taken

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*See Part I, p. 461.

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