Subject: Custer's Brigade, Kovac's Division, Sutton's Corp, ANV
Order: Move from Centreville to Lewis Ford, Virginia at 0900
Time: 0800 Dec 27th, 1861.
Troops: 1st, 9th and 10th Miss. regiment
Location: Centreville
Execuation:
Gentlemen, (to Regimental commanders)
Major General Kovac has ordered that we withdraw and regroup to the rear of the army. The 1st Miss. will withdraw first followed by the 9th and 10th. . Keep a strong rearguard present as you withdraw. Your final position should be Lewis Ford to the east from Stone Bridge. When You get there You will deploy Your men into battle lines. Also, send a company of skirmishers over Bull Run to the north 300 yards from Your lines. Send two groups of scouts on horseback 1.5 miles to the north.
1st Miss. will be positioned on the Stone Bridge and will be Your left flank. On the right flank You will have 10th Miss.
For the South,
Brigadier General J.S. Custer
Confederate States of America
Army of Northern Virginia
* If your regiment is attacked when withdrawing from its position deploy a rear guard to blunt the enemy attack. Slow your march rate down to see if the rear guard is successful in stopping the enemy. If the enemy continues to attack it may be necessary to turn the regiment around and face the enemy.
** If your regiment is followed to your destination you will order your men to deploy in line of battle and defend your position. Be extremely cautious of your flanks.
***If You are not followed then deploy as ordered and start building breastworks and defenses.
