Send as much force as possible after them. The regiment of infantry will leave here for New Creek within an hour. Don't spare your horses. Tell major Troxel to lose not a moment, as a moment is now everything.

ROBT. P. KENNEDY,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

CLARKSBURG, W. VA., February 21, 1865.

Captain THAYER MALVIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Cumberland, Md.:

What is the prospect of troops being sent to Beverly? It not done soon, I am of opinion that the enemy will occupy the place, and by that means have the power to strike the railroad at various points. I am daily expecting a raid into this section, and the occurrence at Cumberland strengthens my expectations.

N. WILKINSON,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

CLARKSBURG, W. VA., February 21, 1865.

Commanding OFFICERS BUCKHANNON, WESTON, AND BULLTOWN:

Circumstances have occurred which render it imperative on you to see that pickets do their duty, and that you take all possible care to prevent a surprise. The roads should be constantly patrolled and yours scouts active in giving information.

N. WILKINSON,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

HEADQUARTERS SEPARATE BRIGADE,
Fairfax Court-House, Va., February 21, 1865-6 p. m.

Lieutenant Colonel J. H. TYLOR,

Chief of Staff, Department of Washington:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report all quiet on this line. A scout of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry went out last night through Hopewell Gap to Salem and captured eight prisoners, as follows: (1) Colonel Carter, First Virginia (rebel) Cavalry; (20 Lieutenant Turner, aide-de-camp to General W. H. F. Lee; (3) Private Somer, Company A, Moshy's battalion; (4) Privat Smallwood, Company A, Mosby's battalion; (5) Private Mason, Company D, Mosby's battalion; (6) Private Crupper, Company A, White's battalion; (7) Private Anderson, Company A, Seventh Virginia Cavalry (8) Assistant Surgeon Biaum, Forty-sixth Virginia Infantry. This makes thirty-four captured by the Eighth Illinois Cavalry in five days without any loss on our part.

W. GAMBLE,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

CITY POINT, VA., February 22, 1865-12 m.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

I do not think Crook and Kelley should be mustered out before there is an investigation of the circumstances of their capture. It may prove