ALEXANDRIA, VA., October 30, 1864.

(Received 7.35 p. m.)

Colonel TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General:

The pickets at Accotink were fired on last night. The patrols report all quiet to-day.

H. H. WELLS,

Colonel, &c.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, October 30, 1864.

Colonel T. M. HARRIS,
Commanding First Infantry Division:

COLONEL: The general commanding desires to know why the brigade ordered from your command this morning did not report until 1 p. m. He directs me to say that it is now too late for the command to go to Woodstock to-day, and that you will have one of your brigades in readiness for this duty at 7 a. m. to-morrow, and the commander of the same to report at these headquarters at that time.

I am, colonel, your obedient servant,

WM. McKINLEY, JR.,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, October 30, 1864-8 p. m.

Brevet Major-General CUSTER,
Commanding Third Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: General Merritt directs that you send out a strong reconnaissance early to-morrow a. m. on the Back road as far as the reported position of Rosser's troops, opposite Edenburg. General Wright, now commanding the army, is anxious to determine whether or not he enemy's cavalry is in position where it is reported. General Merritt desires you to have the reconnaissance continue on far enough to meet something, always provided that it does not go of ar as to prevent the party returning the same day.

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

WM. RUSSELL, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CALVARY CORPS, October 30, 1864.

Colonel A. C. M. PENNINGTON,

Commanding First Brigade:

COLONEL: In pursuance of instructions received from Cavalry Corps headquarters, you will send out a strong reconnaissance (at least two full regiments), under a competent officer, at daylight to-morrow morning, on the Back road, as far as the reported position of Rosser's troop (Columbia Furnace), opposite Edenburg. General Wright, now commanding the army, is anxious to determine whether or not the enemy's cavalry is in position where it is reported. You will instruct the officer