at Salem and have burned the depot. Otey's company alone is at Bonsack's; the militia declined going up.

FRANCIS T. NICHOLLS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

LYNCHBURG, December 17, 1863.

ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL:

By a dispatch from Captain Otey, at Liberty, the enemy are reported advancing toward Bonsack's from Salem. I have no force here but about 100 infantry (militia) and one or two pieces of artillery.

FRANCIS T. NICHOLLS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Post.

LYNCHBURG, December 17, 1863.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

GENERAL: Information which I deem reliable represents Averell to have retreated by the Sweet Springs or New Castle road. They are about 2,500 strong, with artillery. I have communicated from the beginning with Staunton.

FRANCIS T. NICHOLLS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

LYNCHBURG, December 17, 1863.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

A later dispatch states that the main body of the enemy left Salem last night and encamped, about 4 miles from there, at Mason's Cove. Supposed to be from 2,000 to 3,000 strong.

FRANCIS T. NICHOLLS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Post.

DUBLIN, December 17, 1863.

Colonel W. H. BROWNE,

New River Bridge, via Central Depot:

Do you wish the home guards of Pulaski to remain at the bridge? If they are of no use they may be disbanded. What do you think?

WM. B. MYERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

DUBLIN, December 17, 1863.

Captain W. R. PRESTON,

Christiansburg:

The wires down between here and Union. Have sent a courier off. No news yet from Echols. Do not know where he is.

WM. B. MYERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.