CUMBERLAND, July 4, 1864-5.30 [p. m.]

Captain HARRISON,

North Branch:

Tell the engineer to keep on a good head of steam and occasionally blow his whistle to make the rebels believe re-enforcements are arriving.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

NORTH BRANCH, July 4, 1864.

(Received 6.35 p. m.)

General KELLEY:

Will the engine and cars remain here or return to town? All quiet. Pickets well posted except at the ford three miles toward Cumberland. Will Colonel Thompson receive instructions and send a cavalry picket up there? Colonel Thompson now at Patterson's Creek with his command.

H. PEASE,

Captain, &c.

CUMBERLAND, July 4, 1864.

Captain PEASE,

North Branch:

The cars will remain with you to-night. What news have you from South Branch?

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

NORTH BRANCH, July 4, 1864.

General KELLEY:

No news from South Branch up to 8 p. m. Colonel Thompson has his entire force with him in pursuit of McNeill, there being none here.

H. PEASE,

Captain, &c.

NORTH BRANCH, July 4, 1864.

(Received 7.50 p. m.)

General KELLEY:

The enemy have retreated toward Frankfort. Strength, 125 by count; 125 cavalry in pursuit.

H. PEASE,

Captain, Commanding.

NORTH BRANCH, July 4, 1864.

(Received 9.15 p. m.)

General KELLEY:

Captain McNair, with his company, has just come in from Green Spring. He left there at 2 p. m.; no enemy at that time nearer than