river, of which he was to keep himself well informed, when the detail would be resumed. This, I took it, would be carrying out the spirit of the order, and saving men and horses for other duty.

I notified headquarters of the corps of the change in time, if it was ill-advised, that it might be rectified before any change was made, which it was.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. MERRITT,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
January 5, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded, with report as required.

As soon as it was known at these headquarters that General Merritt had suspended the order he was directed to execute it at once.

A. PLEASONTON,

Major-General, Commanding.

WARRENTON, January 5, 1864.

Captain E. B. PARSONS,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:

Received dispatch to rejoin my division without delay at 12 o'clock m. to-day. I have given notice to the officer here in command of the cavalry of the Second Division to relieve my command now out on picket as soon as possible. It will probably be late this p. m. before all my command will be relieved and ready to march, and with the general's permission would like to start from here at daylight to-morrow morning.

WM. GAMBLE,

Colonel, Commanding.

HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
January 5, 1864.

Brigadier-General GREGG:

Colonel Gamble with his brigade has been directed to rejoin his division.

E. B. PARSONS,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION,
January 5, 1864.

Colonel P. HUEY,

Commanding Second Brigade, Second Division:

COLONEL: Upon the receipt of this you will encamp your brigade on the railroad from Warrenton Junction to Warrenton. The camps of the regiments will be placed as follows: Two regiments at the tank, two regiments at the bridge below (toward the junction), one regiment near Payne's Mill, and one regiment near Three-Mile Sta-