Today in History:

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

Page 168 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter LV.


HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, In the Field, September 24, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel C. KINGSBURY,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Middle Military Division:

COLONEL: I have the honor to request that I may be granted permission to go to my home at Bath, N. Y., instead of Wheeling, W. Va., to await orders, as I can be communicated with there as quickly as at the latter place. For a long time I have been suffering from chronic dysentery, which has recently attacked me with increased violence. For the benefit of my health I request this indulgence.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. W. AVERELL,

Brevet Major-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, September 24, 1864-6 a. m.

E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Sheridan is at Woodstock. His victory at Fisher's Hill is the annihilation of Early's army as an effective organization. Torbert moved down Luray Valley. if he found a passage into the main valley, as it is believed he has done, he will capture the remaining flying fragments.

JNO. D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, September 24, 1864.

E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Couriers just in from Sheridan. The report of captures, heretofore made, both at Winchester and Fisher's Hill, are too large. The Winchester prisoners, wounded included, will not reached by actual count more than 3,000. I can only hear certainly of 1,000 prisoners at Fisher's Hill; this does not include the captures made in the pursuit. Sheridan is at woodstock. Nothing heard from Torbert so far as I can learn.

Respectfully,

JNO. D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, September 24, 1864.

E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

With the increase of distance and additions to the force of Major-General Sheridan's army, there ought to be at once at Least 300 wagons sent to this post and Martinsburg, to carry forward necessary supplies, to be held as post teams independent of army supply. This would enable us to meet promptly unexpected demands, and is a reserve absolutely requisite for an army the size of General Sheridan's, operating so far from its base. The loss of one train by a careless officer would


Page 168 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter LV.