HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, October 4, 1862-3 p.m.

Colonel A. T. McREYNOLDS,
Commanding Cavalry, Cumberland, Md.:

General Kelley has been informed that his action in ordering you to New Creek meets the approbation of the commanding general, and that should he still desire your assistance against Imboden, he can assume command temporarily over your forces.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

CLARKSBURG, VA., October 4, 1862-10.20 p.m.

Colonel R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff, Harper's Ferry:

Your telegram just received. Am advised that the rebel burnt Little Cacapon Bridge last night, and captured a company of the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania at Paw Paw this morning. The enemy reported 1,500 strong, and having come by way of Bloomery Gap. I expect to return to New Creek on Monday.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, October 4, 1862-8 p.m.

Colonel W. W. AVERELL,
Williamsport, Md.:

(Care of General W. T. H. Brooks, Hagerstown, Md.)

Colonel McReynolds reports from Green Spring this evening, by telegraph, that a cavalry force, said to be Stuart's cavalry, made a raid early this morning, capturing one company of Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and destroyed the Little Cacapon Bridge. It is expected they will attempt to destroy the South Branch and Patterson Creek Bridges to-night.

Colonel McReynolds is directed to prevent the destruction of the last-named bridge, if possible. You will set out with all your disposable force, as soon as practicable after the receipt of this dispatch, and endeavor to intercept this cavalry, and show them that these raids cannot be made with impunity.

I will notify Colonel McReynolds that you are en route.

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

P. S.-General Brooks will please send this to Colonel Averell at once.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, October 4, 1862-8.30 p.m.

General KELLEY,

Commanding, Cumberland:

Colonel McReynolds just reports, by telegraph, that a cavalry force, said to be Stuart's, made a raid this morning, capturing one company of the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and destroyed the Little