Staunton. Is there no possibility of sending up to-night, or early to-morrow morning, a train to Goshen for the troops, and also some train? Our transportation and artillery horses will be used up unless we get some forage. Please reply at once, and give me the news.

JNO. ECHOLS,

Brigadier-General.

WOODSTOCK, May 9, 1864.

Major General J. C. BRECKINRIDGE:

Captain McNeill with company has succeeded in striking the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Piedmont, destroying bridges, train, engines, company work-shops, &c., to the amount of millions of dollars. Thirteen hundred Yankee cavalry have gone out from Winchester to intercept McNeill. I proceed with two regiments cavalry and section of artillery to relief of McNeill. Colonel George H. Smith with residue of my command remains in Valley, and will communicate with you.

J. D. IMBODEN,

Brigadier-General.

WOODSTOCK, May 9, 1864.

Major General J. C. BRECKINRIDGE:

Yours of this date just received.* All quiet toward Winchester. McNeill's safety requires me to dash on his pursuers. I will not aim to reach railroad unless is very open, but return to the Valley in four or five days. Colonel Smith remains here with a large regiment of infantry, four field guns, and about 100 cavalry on picket, scouting below. He will be in communication with you and me both.

J. D. IMBODEN,

Brigadier-General.

WOODSTOCK, May 9, 1864.

General BRECKINRIDGE:

Sigel is reported to have about 4,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry. This information is uncertain, and probably exaggerated. About 1,300 Yankee cavalry have gone toward Hampshire and Hardy, probably in pursuit of McNeill. General Imboden has gone to Moorefield with his cavalry. I have here my regiment, 510 non-commissioned officers and privates, and four pieces of artillery. Sigel at last accounts was at Winchester.

[GEO. H. SMITH.]

DUBLIN, May 9, 1864.

Major-General BRECKINRIDGE, Staunton:

Colonel Bowen has arrived with the Forty-fifth [Virginia] Regiment and is on the field. About 400 more men will be up in two or three hours, under orders from Jenkins. I am waiting to equip and

---------------

*Not found.

---------------