If you have, as you say, a strong position they will not attack you in it, but attempt to turn you and get to the salt-works. Foil them in this and save the salt-works.

Re-enforcements are ordered to you.

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. WESTERN VIRGINIA AND EAST TENNESSEE, Dublin, October 15, 1863.

Brigadier General J. S. WILLIAMS,
Abingdon:

The Eighth [Virginia Cavalry] should have started to-day from Abb's Valley. The Thirty-seventh Battalion [Virginia Cavalry] will not reach you so soon.

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

[DUBLIN, October 15, 1863.]

Major J. M. WADE,

Christiansburg:

Call out every man who can possibly bear arms to go to Abingdon immediately. The enemy is pressing in largely superior force. Telegraph when you wish transportation to Major McMahon at this point.

By order of Major General S. Jones:

CHAS. S. STRINGFELLOW,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Operator:

Send similar telegrams to Colonel G. P. Terrill, Salem; Captain G. A. Wingfield, Liberty; Colonel Henry Bowyer, Bonsack's; Adjutant J. M. Doswell, Fincastle.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA, Dublin, October 15, 1863.

Colonel B. H. JONES,
Commanding Sixtieth Virginia Regiment:

Report with your regiment at this point with the least possible delay to go to Abingdon. The enemy will probably give battle immediately. Lose not a moment; the emergency is great. Inform Colonel McCausland of this order.

By command of Major General Sam. Jones.

CHAS. S. STRINGFELLOW,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA, Dublin, October 15, 1863.

Colonel M. J. FERGUSON,

Commanding, &c.:

It is a matter of great importance that the Seventeenth Virginia Cavalry reach Princeton as soon as possible. The major-general

48 R R-VOL XXX, PT IV