Today in History:

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

Page 106 Chapter LV. OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA.


HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA,
September 18, 1864-12 m.

Colonel FORSYTH:

Prisoners just brought in from Bunker Hill state that Rodes' and Gordon's divisions of infantry, with a brigade of cavalry, went toward Martinsburg this morning. Colonel Schoonmaker has been driven across stone bridge by infantry and artillery, but is contesting his ground.

WM. W. AVERELL,

Brevet Major-General.

CONFIDENTIAL CIRCULAR ORDER.
HDQRS. CAV. DIV., DEPT. OF W. VA.

September 18, 1864.

This division will move to Darkesville this evening, arriving there at 6 p. m. The men will be furnished with three days' rations from to-morrow morning, and after arriving at Darkesville one day's forage will be issued for to-morrow. Brigade commanders will be held responsible that every man has forty rounds of ammunition; Spencers will sixty. It must be carried on their persons. A rear guard will be organized for each brigade, who will arrest all stragglers on the march and shoot them if in battle. The company commanders from whose companies stragglers are found will be reported daily to these headquarters.

WM. W. AVERELL,

Brevet Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
September 18, 1864-8 p. m.

General WILSON:

GENERAL: The chief of cavalry directs, in pursuance of orders from headquarters Middle Military Division, that you move with your division at 2 a. m. to-morrow on Winchester, via the Berryville pike. Upon reaching the enemy's picket you will drive them in and follow them up. The Sixth Corps will move at the same hour across country to the Berryville and Winchester pike crossing of the Opequon. The greatest promptness will be exercised in carrying out the above.

Very respectfully,

WM. RUSSELLL, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SEPTEMBER 18, 1864.

Captain SIEBERT:

CAPTAIN: As soon as trains are discharged let them be sent to Summit Point to join the army trains at that place. Direct Captain Stull to start at once for six wagon-loads of ammunition, and have them here by 8 p. m., if possible. Let him take a small escort. Tell the captain to take our mail.

Very respectfully,

J. H. WILSON,

Brigadier-General.


Page 106 Chapter LV. OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA.