strong. What has become of the Twelfth Virginia and Fifth Maryland? I have heard of neither yet. Send me an artillery company to man the four 20-pounder Parrotts in the fort here.

You will send the company called for if you think it safe. Hurry up the Fifth Maryland.

DONN PIATT,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Chief of Staff.

HARPER'S FERRY, VA., June 2, 1863.

Lieutenant-Colonel CHESERBOUGH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Baltimore:

Captain Harrison, of the Sixth Virginia Infantry, reported from Grafton to-day that a large cavalry force was approaching Rowlesburg or Grafton, through Tucker County. I believe there is not the slightest foundation for the report, nevertheless, I thought it prudent to order the Twelfth Virginia to stop to-day at Grafton and await further orders. If this is only a scare, as I have no doubt it is, the Twelfth will come on to Martinsburg to-morrow.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

JUNE 2, 1863.

Major-General MILROY,

Winchester:

The artillery company asked for has been ordered, and the Fifth Maryland is hurrying on to you. The general commanding directs you to act with caution. Keep him advised, and fall back, when forced, in direction of Harper's Ferry or Martinsburg, as your better judgment may dictate.

DONN PIATT,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Chief of Staff.

BALTIMORE, June 2, 1863.

Major-General MILROY,

Winchester, Va.:

It is very possible the rebels may only be intending to hold the Valley for the harvest. It is rumored they are fortifying at Strasburg.

Have you any such knowledge?

ROBT. C. SCHENCK,

Major-General, Commanding.

BALTIMORE, June 2, 1863.

Brigadier-General AVERELL,

Weston, W. Va.:

Captain Harrison, of Sixth Virginia Infantry, reported from Grafton a large cavalry force approaching Rowlesburg or Grafton, through