HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION,
Shepherdstown Ford, August 28, 1864-9.15 a.m.

Captain M. A. RENO,

Chief of Staff:

CAPTAIN: Having received an order implying that the army at Harper's Ferry was to have moved this morning at daylight, I have concluded to cross and move out toward Kearneysville without waiting for any direct instructions. I am sure this course will meet with the general's instructions when he knows reconnaissance five or six miles in all directions from here confirm the opinion that the rebels have gone. I have waited from 6 to this time to hear from somebody. Time is precious and therefore I act as seems best, hoping it will meet with the general's approbation. Custer left here last night for Harper's Ferry.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. WILSON,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
Charlestown, August 28, 1864-12 m.

Brigadier-General WILSON,

Commanding Third Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: Merritt is at Leetown or should be there by this time. If you can form a junction with him it will not be necessary to come to Charlestown.

Very respectfully,

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.

HDQRS. THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS,
Charlestown, Va., August 28, 1864-5.30 p.m.

Major T. P. JOHNSTON,

Chief Quartermaster of Division:

MAJOR: The general commanding division directs that you send up, besides the forage for the command, all regimental and headquarters forges at once, with a liberal supply of horseshoes; also the picket-rope for our headquarters, and our forge. The command will go into camp a short distance from town on the Berryville turnpike.

Very respectfully,

L. SIEBERT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, August 28, 1864. (Received 8.30 p.m.)

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

The enemy have retired in direction of Bunker Hill,as if falling back down the Valley. General Sheridan has moved out in pursuit. Is camped to-night two miles beyond Charlestown. Some artillery heard this evening in that direction, but it was light and soon ceased.

JOHN D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.