150 Years Ago: "A small cavalry force, under discreet officers . . ."

                                                                       FORT MONROE, VA., January 20, 1864.

                                                                                                      (Received 4.15 p.m.)

Major-General BUTLER

                (Care Secretary of War):

Telegram received. A small cavalry force, under discreet officers, instructed not to ask direct questions, but to exhibit anxiety for capture of horses and negroes, went out last night. They were directed, after passing New Kent, to incline toward the White House, if they decided to go farther at all, my care being identical with that expressed in your telegram.

                                                                                         I. J. WISTAR,

                                                                                              Brigadier-General.