WHITE PLAINS, VA., October 8, 1864-9.50 a.m.

(Received 4.45 p.m.)

Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff:

The railroad is open to Rectortown and trains can run there. The telegraph is completed two miles beyond here. It can of no farther for want of wire, which is expected by train this morning. The railroad construction train is also here awaiting material and for wood and water. Two locomotives were off the track last night, which delayed the return trains until this morning. The cavalry from Falls Church are at Manassas Junction delayed by the return trains. As soon as they arrive, and I can give the necessary orders for their disposal, I shall go to Rectortown. I do not think the track is in as good condition as it seemed at first. Heavy trains passing over it have shown that many of the ties are so much decayed as to be unable to hold the spikes, the track consequently spreads and the trains go off. The cavalry that arrived last night left at daylight this morning to find Mosby. The new regiments who were guarding the roads in front have not done as well as they should.

C. C. AUGUR,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, 22ND ARMY CORPS,
October 8, 1864.

Colonel W. GAMBLE, Commanding Camp Stoneman:

COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that the three companies of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry which reported to your camp this evening be pushed right on to Alexandria, where, on arrival they will report to Brigadier-General Slough for orders. Please use all dispatch.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. H. RAYMOND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, 22ND ARMY CORPS,
October 8, 1864.

Brigadier-General SLOUGH,

Military Governor of Alexandria, Va.:

Three companies of Eighth Illinois Cavalry will report to you for orders. The general commanding directs that they be sent to him on the railroad by rail at once. Please advise these headquarters of their departure.

Respectfully,

C. H. RAYMOND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,

Strasburg, October 8, 1864.

Corps commanders will have their artillery and wagons hitched at daylight to-morrow morning.

By command of Major-General Sheridan:

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Chief of Staff.