After feeding, another council was held, and the chances and best means of reaching Johnson’s army discussed. Without coming to any definite conclusion, it was determined to move to the north side of the James river and seek supplies until some news from Johnson could be obtained. Colonel Dorsey marched to the neighborhood of Waynesboro’, where the kindness of the people to the soldiers had been before experienced, and there awaited orders. In about ten days he received a dispatch from General Munford to move up the Valley, by way of Lexington, towards Salem, on which route all the cavalry were to march, and to make their way to Johnson’s army. The First Maryland was immediately on the march, and arrived at Cloverdale, in Botetourt county, on the 28th day of April, where Colonel Dorsey, learning that General Munford was confined to his bed by sickness, rode to the house at which the General was lying, and received from him the following letter, which he had prepared to be read to the First Maryland, and which speaks for itself, the General expressing his regret that his sickness prevented him from saying farewell to the battalion in person: CLOVERDALE, BOTETOURT COUNTY, VA., } April 28th, 1865. } LIEUTENANT COLONEL DORSEY, _Commanding First Maryland Cavalry_. I have just learned from Captain Emack that your gallant band was moving up the Valley in response to my call. I am deeply pained to say that our army cannot be reached, as I have learned that it has capitulated. It is sad, indeed, to think that our country’s future is all shrouded in gloom. But for you and your command there is the consolation of having faithfully done your duty.