Today in History:

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

Page 732 Chapter LV. OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA.


HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
December 3, 1864.

Byt. Major-General MERRITT:

GENERAL: The chief of cavalry directs that you send a strong patrol daily up the Valley pike, as far as Cedar Creek, to obtain all the information possible. Send a report of this patrol every evening to these headquarters. He also desires me to say that you will be held responsible that the enemy does not come north of Cedar Creek in your front, without timely information being sent to these headquarters, and directs that you make such dispositions as will meet with the above. General Custer sends daily patrols up the Back and Middle roads, and is held responsible for his front. The commanding officer of the Second Cavalry Division sends daily patrols to the Shenandoah on the Front Royal pike and keeps the Millwood pike well watched.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. RUSSELL, JR.,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
December 3, 1864.

Brevet Major-General MERRITT,

Commanding First Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: I am directed by the chief of cavalry to inform you that orders have been sent to the commanding officer of the Second Cavalry Division to send a reconnaissance up the Valley pike to-morrow, which will obviate the necessity of one being sent from your division.

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

WM. RUSSELL, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

DECEMBER 3, 1864.

General CUSTER:

GENERAL: Word has been received from headquarters Middle Military Division that there has been considerable firing by the pickets near the large white house near the left of your line. The chief of cavalry directs that you ascertain the cause at once, and to send a party in that direction, toward and a little to the right of Newton, to ascertain if there is any party of cavalry prowling about there. Send report as soon as possible.

Very respectfully, &c.,

WM. RUSSELL, JR.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE SHENANDOAH,
December 3, 1864.

Brevet Major-General CUSTER,

Commanding Third Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: The chief of cavalry directs that you take up the old line (previous to your last movement) between the Valley pike and Fawcett's Gap, watching particularly the Back and Middle roads. You


Page 732 Chapter LV. OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA.