of ambiguity for which telegrams are noted. It is very important also to state time and place of enemy's movement. Should the enemy endeavor to cross the river anywhere in your front, it is desirable to prevent it, it is possible to delay it, and to the accomplishment of these alternatives, preferably the former, devote every effort, and if needed send for Hart's battery near Milford. Bear in mind that your telegrams may make the whole army strike tents, and night or day, rain or shine, take up the line of march; endeavor therefore to secure accurate information.
Should the enemy cross at Eley's or Germana, you should move at once to meet him, feel his force, endeavor to penetrate his designs, and report back by telegram giving his progress, and watch his direction of march, in doing which do not let a feigned movement deceive you. It is probably that a corresponding move will be made by a part or all of our main body, to connect your reconnoissance with which will be highly desirable. The enemy's main body will, in the event of such a move, either march directly for Fredericksburg, or move up the turnpike or plank road towards Vidiersville, as before. In the former case, endeavor to impede his march with artillery and dismounted men, so as to give us a chance to strike his flank. In the latter case, close up and harass his rear, as Rosser did so handsomely before. Above all, Vigilance, Vigilance, VIGILANCE!
Very respectfully,
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J. E. B. Stuart, Major-General.
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| Brigadier-General. J. R. Chambliss, Commanding, &c. | |
23d April, 1864.
Major-Ceneral J. E. B. Stuart, Commanding C. C.:
General—The Commanding General directs me to inform you, that in view of the reports of your scouts and those of General Imboden, he is disposed to believe that Averill contemplates making another expedition either to Staunton or the Virginia and Tennessee railroad simultaneously with the general movement of the Federal army. The reduction of the enemy's force on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, in the lower valley, has induced the General to direct General Imboden, if he finds it practicable, to endeavor to anticipate the movement of Averill, and disconcert his plans by a demonstration against the railroad and the force guarding it in
