RICHMOND, August 22, 1863.

Major General SAMUEL JONES,

Dublin Station, Va.:

The following dispatch just received from General Buckner, viz:

Burnside is advancing on East Tennessee. Force heavy, but numbers not known; chiefly mounted infantry with heavy trains. Points not developed; probably by Big Creek Gap and Wartburtg. Will you ask General Jones to re- enforce me, if possible! Preston covers the salt- works now.

You will do what you can, consistent with the safety of your department, to re- enforce General Buckner.

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

UNION, August 22, 1863.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

Your telegram of this date received. I cannot re- enforce General Buckner without moving the troops from Saltville, and I do not think it prudent to do that.

SAM. JONES,

Major- General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA,
Union, August 22, 1863.

Major General S. B. BUCKNER,

Knoxville, Tenn.:

I cannot give you any aid without moving my troops from Saltville, and I cannot move them without an order to do so.

SAM. JONES,

Major- General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA,
Dublin, August 22, 1863.

Major General SAMUEL JONES, Union:

I telegraphed you yesterday that I declined, in your absence, to send any troops to Knoxville. Telegram just received from General Buckner, who proposes to give you, at Saltville, equal number of dismounted cavalry for the Sixty- third [Virginia] Regiment, and begs you to send it. Under General Cooper's telegram, ought it not to be done! I have orderd McMahon to hold himself in readinness. Please let me hear from you immediately.

CHAS. S. STRINGFELLOW,

Major, and Assistant Adjutant- General.

RICHMOND, August 23, 1863.

Geneal BUCKNER, Knoxville, Tenn.:

General S. Jones, to whom your dispatch for aid was sent, reports he cannot re- enforce you without moving troops from Saltville, which he does not think it would be prudent to do.

S. COOPER.