Fincastle. Colonel W. L. Jackson has been driven from Warm Springs and was near Clifton Ford last night. I have no other troops to send on that line. The enemy from the Kanawha was still within 3 or 4 miles of Lewisburg yesterday evening.

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

General S. COOPER,

Adjt. and Insp. General, C. S. Army Richmond, Va.

UNION, VIA DUBLIN, December 15, 1863.

A large cavalry force, reported 3,000 strong, passed Sweet Springs to-day on the road to Fincastle and the railroad. My troops cannot reach the road in time to stop them. If possible, send troops by railroad to Bonsack's to-morrow noon.

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

DUBLIN, December 15, 1863.

The enemy reported 28 miles from Salem at sunset this evening. The railroad is in utmost danger.

By order, and in the temporary absence of Major General Sam. Jones:

WM. B. MYERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

UNION MONROE COUNTY,

December 15, 1863-11 p. m.

The information I have leaves no doubt that Averell, after passing Sweet Springs, took the route to Fincastle. Force all mounted, estimated at from 3,000 to 4,000, and four pieces of artillery. He is encamped on Sweet Springs Mountain to-night. I cannot throw any part of my force here on the railroad in time to save it. You may be able to do so if you will send a force to check Averell on the railroad. I will endeavor to take care that he does not escape through my department.

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond.

TOP OF SWEET SPRINGS MOUNTAIN,

Via Dublin, December 20, 1863-9.10 a.m.

(Received 21st)

The enemy, finding this point guarded, turned off from Scott's and went toward Covington. They may attempt to cross from Rich Patch to Dunlap's Creek. Echols is blockading that road. I am informed from three different sources that they burned a number of their wagons, killed their broken-down horses, have lost much of