teries required for by you. The only attempt which would be made would be by a small party of mounted men, and against such a dash the ordinary bridge squads and pickets, if vigilant, it is deemed, will be sufficient protection.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. C., March 4, 1865-7.30 p.m.

General SLOUGH,
Commanding at Alexandria:

Give orders for increased vigilance on the part of all your guards to-night, particularly at the outposts. Have them inspected.

C. C. AUGUR,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. C., March 4, 1865-11.45 p.m.

General SLOUGH,
Military Governor of Alexandria:

What is the rumor about the pickets on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad having been driven in? Have you any information as to the numbers of the attacking party? Let me know at once.

C. C. AUGUR,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. C., March 4, 1865-12.40 p.m.

Colonel GAMBLE,
Commanding at Fairfax Court-House:

COLONEL: Information has been received that the rebels propose to raid into Washington to-day via Fairfax. Be on your guard, and notify your entire line.

Respectfully,

J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SEPARATE BRIGADE, Fairfax Court-House, Va., March 4, 1865-1 p.m.

Lieutenant-Colonel TAYLOR,
Chief of Staff, Department of Washington:

COLONEL: Your telegram just received, and the necessary orders issued. We are ready for a free fight. The picket will be doubled, and the men ready to fall in at a moment's notice; the horses saddled, with slacked girths, from dark to daylight. I expected this, and the orders were given before your telegram arrived.

W. GAMBLE,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.