Andrew A. Humphreys to George W. Cullum, August 7, 1863

(Received 4.40 p. m.) Brig. Gen. G. W. CULLUM, Chief of Staff:

I left Hedgosyille on Saturday, the 1st instant, and proceeded up the Valley of Back Creek to the Northwestern turnpike, and thence west by that road to Homueys which place my troops now occupy. My cavalry proceeded from Winchester, via Wardensville, to Moorefield. Found a portion of Imboden’s force in this valley engaged in conscripting and gathering supplies. They have retreated up the valley. e captured on our march quite a number of guerrillas and horse thieves. Several hundred deserters from Lee’s army have come in, and hundreds are yet secreted in the mountains, awaiting an opportunity to get inside our lines.

Brigadier-General, Commanding Department.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac, August 8, 1863—9.45 a. m.

Commanding Officer Cavalry Corps:

I am instructed by the major-general commanding to inquire by what authority the several cavalry commands arrest citizens, living within our lines, against whom there is no evidence of having been engaged in committing depredations or aiding those engaged in such practices, but who merely decline to take the oath of allegiance.

The general commanding directs that for the present such arrests will not be made, but will be limited to those engaged in the practice just referred to, and such others against whom there is suspicion of

aving been engaged in them, or of having been guilty of any disloyal act. 2 R R—VOL XXIX, PT Il The mere fact of residence within the lines of this army, and an indisposition to take the oath of allegiance in a region alternately held ay our troops and those of the enemy, should not in itself cause the arrest of an individual, unless there is some reason to believe that, directly or indirectly, the person is engaged in aiding those in arms against us.

respectfully, &c.,