GREEN SPRING, July 4, 1864.

(Received 7.40 a. m.)

Brigadier General B. F. KELLEY:

The rebels have attacked South Branch bridge. The iron-clad has been firing for an hour. Have sent fifty men to find out the trouble. All quiet here. The rebels have artillery, and the report is that they are firing at block-house.

F. W. THOMPSON,

Colonel.

GREEN SPRING RUN, July 4, 1864.

General B. F. KELLEY:

Messenger just from South Branch says they are about abandoning the cars. The rebels have three pieces of artillery and firing two shots a minute. Shall I move all my men there? One end of the iron-clad is said to be knocked out by their guns.

THOMPSON.

GREEN SPRING RUN, July 4, 1864.

General B. F. KELLEY:

Lieutenant of iron-clad just here, says they have abandoned the iron-clads. The block-house is gone up.

THOMPSON,

Colonel.

CUMBERLAND, July 4, 1864.

FRANK B. MILLER,

Green Spring:

Can you learn anything of amount of force of enemy at South Branch, or who it is?

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

GREEN SPRING, July 4, 1864.

General B. F. KELLEY:

Rebels now on towpath. I don't know whether I can get out or not. Colonel Thompson and part of his command on other side river. I will keep instrument on until hear from him.

FRANK B. MILLER.

GREEN SPRING RUN, July 4, 1864.

(Received 7.40 a. m.)

General B. F. KELLEY:

I have just received the following message from South Branch:

To OPERATOR AT GREEN SPRING RUN:

Please telegraph to Cumberland that I cannot hold our much longer; my ammunition is almost exhausted. Send me re-enforcements if possible.

J. L. McKINNEY,

Captain, Commanding Post.

FRANK B. MILLER.

4 R R-VOL XXXVII, PT II