[Indorsement.]

GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose you dispatch from General Kilpatrick, just received.

C. ROSS SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel, and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS,
October 17, 1863-1 p. m.

COLONEL: My men are still skirmishing with the rebel cavalry, and are now driving them in the direction of Gainesville. I am moving my command over to Sudley Springs and shall leave a picket at New Market, a regiment at Groveton, and the remaining portion of my command in a position in front of Sudley Springs. A scouting party of rebel cavalry was seen on the Bradley [Braddock's] pike about an hour since. Scouts are out in the direction of Hay Market, Thoroughfare Gap, and Aldie.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. KILPATRICK,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Third Division.

Lieutenant Colonel C. ROSS SMITH.

P. S.-My headquarters are at Carter's house, near Sudley Springs.

HDQRS. THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS,
October 17, 1863-3.30 p. m.

COLONEL: Major Brewer, First Michigan Cavalry, on picket at New Market, reports that he has a scouting party on a high hill 2 miles south of New Market, from which the whole country in the direction of Manassas and Bristoe can be plainly seen; that no force of the enemy could be seen save about 50 cavalry, which seemed to be a scouting party. The enemy is reported in my front (cavalry) to be retiring in the direction of Gainesville. I have directed General Custer to send a regiment to watch their movements.

Very respectfully,

J. KILPATRICK,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

Lieutenant Colonel C. ROSS SMITH,

Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps.

HDQRS. THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS,
October 17, 1863-6.15 p. m.

GENERAL: My scouts have just come in from the direction of Hay Market. They reports Stuart moving from Hay Market toward Aldie with three brigades of cavalry and nine pieces of artillery. Stuart left Hay Market at 12 m. to-day. His troops were moving at 4 p. m. Had passed Hopewell Gap and were still moving this side