General Sheridan to Adjutant-General of the army.
General: I have the honor to forward as complete a field return as is possible at the present time.
The most strenuous exertions are being made by me to obtain a full return, but the difficulty in obtaining such from the
commanding officer, Department of West Virginia, because of his command covering so great an extent of country, has so far prevented.
The enclosed return does not include the cavalry under
Averill, about 2,500, or the troops of the Department of Washington,
Susquehanna, or Middle.
I simply forward it you as a statement showing the number of men for duty south of the
Potomac.
Hoping soon to furnish complete all reports required,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
