Unknown to Lieutenant-Colonel READ, March 17, 1865

Lieutenant-Colonel READ, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the James:

One brigade of this command (Evans’) has just returned to this point from Long Bridge, on the Chickahominy. Nothing satisfactory has yet been learned of General Sheridan’s command. No firing was heard beyond the Chickahominy by any one we have met thus far. One report says Sheridan’s cavalry was in the upper part of New Kent County yesterday. This Colonel Evans thinks is unreliable. Several reports agree that Sheridan had a fight on Sunday last, seven miles north of Richmond, in Green’s orchard, and another next day at Mechanicsville. My orders require ine to move down along the Chickahominy. I shall send parties to all the fords and crossings I know of. If General Sheridan desires to cross the Chickahominy at Jones’ Bridge (which would seem probable) this point here should be held; if at Bottom’s Bridge I should cross the White Oak Swamp at this point and get a position between Bottom’s Bridge and Richmond. This I will do if I hear nothing of General Sheridan down the Chickahominy and do not receive contrary orders from you. If he is in New Kent County I will learn the fact very soon. The staff officer who brings this will convey to me any instructions you may have to send. We have encountered only very slight opposition thus far.

nbs M. WEST, Colonel, Oommanding

Hpagrs. DEPT, OF Virginia, ARMY OF THE JAMES,