Today in History:

945 Series I Volume XLIII-I Serial 90 - Shenandoah Valley Campaign Part I

Page 945 Chapter LV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.

General Merrit will then push strong parties forward to drive the enemy's cavalry on the road from Charlestown to Leetown, and on the road from Charlestown to Smithfield; these reconnaissance to promptly report any information they receive of the enemy.

Very respectfully,

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.


HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
Charlestown, W. Va., August 28, 1864-2.15 p.m.

Brigadier-General MERRITT,

Commanding First Cavalry Division:

Wilson has crossed at Shepherdstown Ford; has been directed to move on to Leetown and form a junction with you.

Respectfully,

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.


HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
Charlestown, W. Va., August 28, 1864-6.30 p.m.

Brigadier General W. MERRITT,

Commanding First Cavalry Division, Smithfield

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that General Wilson's command arrived at this point late this p.m. without forage, and he has, therefore, been directed to go into camp here for to-night. He did not receive the order in time to effect a junction with you to participate in your operations of to-day.

Very respectfully,

F. C. NEWHALL,

Major and Aide-de-Camp.


HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
Charlestown, W. Va., August 28, 1864-9 p.m.

Brigadier General WESLEY MERRITT,

Commanding First Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: Brigadier-General Averell has informed me, through one of his scouts, that he expected to be in Martinsburg at 3 p.m. to-day. He was then within a mile or two of the place, and it was reported unoccupied by the enemy. Send out at early dawn parties in the direction of Bunker Hill, if it is possible for them to get through and ascertain whether or not the enemy's infantry are moving or have gone toward Winchester. General Averell's scouts say that from all the information they could obtain the rebels were moving up the Valley. Prompt information from you early in the day may save my infantry columns heavy marches.

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

6O R R-VOL XLIII, PT I


Page 945 Chapter LV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.