mond or Lynchburg. I telegraphed General Cooper two days ago to send up some troops. They may be between Bonsack's and Lynchburg. If so, they should march to Fincastle from Bonsack's, to stop the retreat in that direction. I think that would fix the thing. You had best hold the home guards from Christiansburg to Salem. I will send rations.

WM. B. MYERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Lynchburg, December 18, 1863.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

I send you the following dispatch just received:

Our superintendent, J. M. Crowley, who is 1 mile this side of Salem with a magnet, reports Yankees returning back to Salem. I judge they have found their retreat cut off.

LE FAUCHEUR,

Manager.

I have no information other than the above.

FRANCIS T. NICHOLLS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Post.

LYNCHBURG,

December 18, 1863.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

The following dispatch has just been received by me from D. C. Booth, commanding Roanoke Home Guards, dated Bonsack's:

Scouts report that the enemy have been intercepted on their retreat, and are coming in this way again.

Salem, I presume, on the Botetourt Springs road. I communicate just such information as I get myself.

FRANCIS T. NICHOLLS.

LYNCHBURG,

December 19, 1863.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

I forward the following dispatch just received by me:

BONSACK'S,

December 19, 1863.

A scout has just arrived from Fincastle, reports that the enemy were seen up to dark last night on this side of Craig's Creek, which was too high to ford.

D. C. BOOTH.

FRANCIS T. NICHOLLS,

Brigadier-General.