NORTH BRANCH, July 4, 1864.

General KELLEY:

I have sent a force to Patterson's Creek to ascertain what force of the enemy are there. I cannot get any communication from Colonel Thompson.

H. PEASE,

Captain.

CUMBERLAND, July 4, 1864.

Captain PEASE,

North Branch:

The force at Patterson's Creek is McNeill's, he having passed down the creek to-day with 100 men.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

NORTH BRANCH, July 4, 1864-4 p. m.

Brigadier General B. F. KELLEY,

Cumberland, Md.:

GENERAL: Captain Harrison informs me that the wires are being tampered with between this and Cumberland. The enemy are at Patterson's Creek, but I cannot tell in what force. I will wait their coming. I have sent a communication to Colonel Thompson but have no answer. I think the enemy are between him and this force. There is some skirmishing at the advanced pickets. I fell the want of a few cavalry very much as I do not wish to reduce the strength of the infantry be sending small parties out.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. PEASE,

Captain, &c.

CUMBERLAND, July 4, 1864.

Captain PEASE,

North Branch:

Colonel Thompson will pursue McNeill and drive him out of Patterson's Creek Valley or he will cut the road west of this.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

CUMBERLAND, July 4, 1864.

Captain PEASE,

North Branch:

Examine the road at the Narrows below you toward Old Town and see if it cannot be blockaded by felling timber into it after Colonel Thompson comes up. Answer as soon as you ascertain.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.