Jno. G. Parke, DECEMBER 8, 1862

Harper’s Ferry, [December] 5, [1862.] Four deserters from the enemy came in this morning at 12.40. They say the enemy left Winchester on Tuesday night; that the forces sent from here arrived at Winchester on Wednesday. I have heard nothing direct from General Geary, except this report. H. W. SLOCUM, Major-General of Volunteers. DECEMBER 8, 1862. Major-General SLooum : Your dispatch of the 5th has been received, but no report has been received since. The commanding general is anxious to know the result of General Geary’s reconnaissance, and desires me to request that you make daily reports to these headquarters. He hears from other sources that there is no force of the enemy at Winchester except provost guard. It is very important that the position of the enemy in that neighborhood should be determined.

JNO. G. PARKE,