Danl. Butterfield to Andrew S. Williams, February 25, 1863

February 25, 1863. General WILLIAMS, Telegraphic advices report three brigades of the enemy’s cavalry moving in the vicinity of your front. Advise the force at Dumfries to be vigilant. Our infantry there can whip the cavalry if they come. The cavalry can get no advantage of them if they are alert and vigilant. Give us any information you receive. Advise General von Steinwehr. Acknowledge receipt of this. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. —— FEBRUARY 25, 1863—9 p. m. Gen. A. S. WILLIAMS, Stafford Court-House, Va.: Dispatch from Colonel Creighton received. Inform General Pleasonton of its contents. Averell has gone up with a division of cavalry toward Hartwood. The division of Regulars will go up the river road. Pleasonton will be in position within afew hours at Aquia Church. A brigade of infantry has gone up to Berea Church. Inform Pleasonton of all these arrangements. General Heintzelman has been requested to co-operate from above, sending a force down toward Warrenton Junction and Rappahannock Station. Have Creighton informed of all movements. Have him advise Pleasonton. Communicate here all you get. Send a brigade of infantry to Aquia Church to support Pleasonton, if desired. FEBRUARY 25, 1863—9.10 p. m. General A. S. WILLIAMS, Stafford Court-House, Va. : Keep the officers in command of the cavalry forces this way fully advised of all movements and appearances in your front. Prisoners * See skirmish at Hartwood Church, February 25, Part I, pp. 21-25. captured and brought in report the force as Fitzhugh Lee’s and Hampton’s brigades. Marched from 12 miles the other side of the Rappahannock last night, made a long circuit to-day, and horses very tired. We ought to capture every one of them. Say to Pleasonton a majorgeneral’s commission is staring some cavalry officer in the face in this business.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,