Today in History:

104 Series I Volume XLIII-II Serial 91 - Shenandoah Valley Campaign Part II

Page 104 Chapter LV. OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA.


HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
September 18, 1864-12 m.

General MERRITT:

GENERAL: The chief of cavalry directs that you send a good regiment to the crossing of the Opequon by the Berryville and Winchester pike, to take position on the Limestone Ridge just this side of the creek. The regiment should get there about sundown. The balance of your command will be ready to move to that point by 9 o'clock to-night. Leave pickets at the different fords from the Berryville and Winchester pike down to Locke's Ford. The chief of cavalry has directed General Averell to send men to the ford at Smithfield, and you will have your pickets withdrawn from Locke's Ford to Smithfield and join your division.

I am, general, very respectfully, &c.,

WM. RUSSELL, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
September 18, 1864.

General MERRITT:

GENERAL: Have your trains unloaded as soon as possible, and assembled near General Crook's headquarters near Summit Point before 3 p. m.

By command of Brevet Major-General Torbert:

WM. RUSSELL, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to General Wilson.)


HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
September 18, 1864.

General MERRITT,

Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: Have all wagons collected near your headquarters, to go to the rear with the train, except two wagons and ambulance to division headquarters, two to brigade headquarters, ambulances and the smallest number of ammunition wagons you may think it safe to take. Send the forges back.

A. T. A. TORBERT,

Brevet Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, &C.,
September 18, 1864.

General MERRITT:

The army will start at 2 o'clock to-night to Winchester via the Berryville and Winchester pike. General wilson will be in advance of the infantry. The fords you go to are near the Winchester railroad, just to the left as you go out. Watch well the fords on the creek and the movements of the enemy. One division of infantry of the enemy was in Martinsburg to-day, and another at Bunker Hill. Averell will be directed to watch them well, and follow them, if they move, so as to


Page 104 Chapter LV. OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA.