HDQRS. FIRST ARMY CORPS, Culpeper, January 24, 1864.

Major-General FRENCH, Third Army Corps:

I have been directed to throw forward my pickets in connection with your right, near the Church Cross-Roads. If it is not important that it be done at once, I propose that it be delayed until to-morrow morning, when your general officer of the day and mine meet on the right of your line, say at 12 m., and carry the order into effect. Please answer.

JNO. NEWTON,
Major-General.

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 24, 1864.

Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry Corps:

The following dispatch just received from signal officer. * I have telegraphed to General Merritt and inquired if he has had any report from that vicinity to-day.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, ENGINEER DEPT.,
January 24, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel C. ROSS SMITH, Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps:

SIR: Lieutenant Mackenzie, Corps of Engineers, has been directed to examine the enemy's works on this side of the Rapidan. If it does not storm, he will be at Mitchell's Station to-morrow. Will you please direct the officer in command of the cavalry in that vicinity to furnish him with a suitable escort?

Very respectfully,

J. C. DUANE,

Major of Engineers.

CULPEPER, January 24, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel C. ROSS SMITH, Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps:

Your dispatch with reference to detail for engineer officer was received and the necessary orders given. A smoke reported, through army headquarters, by the signal officer proved to be, as a reconnaissance sent out by me found, at the foot of Thoroughfare Mountain.

W. MERRITT,

Brigadier-General.

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*See Paine to Davis, 12 m., p. 406.

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