Danl. Butterfield to Markell, February 25, 1863

Major MARKELL,

Commanding Pickets, First Cavalry Brigade: Mason: General Stoneman reports that the enemy are moving in force in the direction of Stafford Court-House. Notify your pickets, AA ae nee a eee 2 ae oer rire ole ar

and, if compelled to fall back, do so; fall back on Dumfries. Send in report of any information of the enemy. Yours, truly, B. F. DAVIS, Colonel Eighth New York Vol. Cavalry, Comdg. Brigade.

FEBRUARY 25, 1863—7.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. D. N. Covon,

Commanding Second Corps :

The major-general commanding directs that you send a good brigade of infantry up to Berea Church. The enemy have a force of cavalry in front of our picket lines, on the right. General Stoneman will endeavor to capture them. Averell is following them up, and a cavalry force from here will move to get between them and the river. Let the commanding officer take care not to get in collision with our cavalry. Move quickly. Troops will be out until to-morrow p. m.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff.

CaMP NEAR FALMOUTH, V. A., February 25, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. W. AVERELL, Commanding Cavalry Division :

I inclose herewith:for your information copies of telegrams and statements of prisoners captured to-day, in reference to the present expedition.* General Hooker says that a major-general’s commission is staring somebody in the face in this affair, and that the enemy should never be allowed to get away from us.

Very respectfully, &c.,