McCoy's Ferry carefully guarded. You will establish your reserve at some central point and will communicate frequently with these headquarters.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILL RUMSEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CUMBERLAND, July 27, 1864-10 a. m.

(Received 3 p. m.)

Major-General HALLECK,

Chief of Staff, Washington:

My iron-clads patrolled the railroad yesterday to within a few miles of Martinsburg. Road yet safe west of that point. If General Hunter is able to take the offensive, I can protect the road west of North Mountain. If not, my force is too small and scattered to resist any considerable movement of the enemy this way.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

WASHINGTON, July 27, 1864-9 p. m.

Brigadier-General KELLEY,

Cumberland, Md.:

With your railroad facilities you should be able to concentrate nearly all your force on any threatened point. You will be expected to make your arrangements to accomplish this object.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HARPER'S FERRY, July 27, 1864.

Brigadier-General KELLEY,

Cumberland:

Two regiments have been sent to you from General Heintzelman's command.

D. HUNTER,

Major-General.

CUMBERLAND, July 27, 1864.

Governor BOREMAN,

Wheeling:

Colonels Thoburn and Curtis are both safe; came in to my forces to-day at Sleepy Creek. They were cut off from their commands int he fight, and have been reported either killed or captured. They have proceeded to join their commands. Captain C. J. Harrison, at Sleepy Creek, says of the two colonels: "They are in hard condition; lost their horses, and their shoes worn out. " Please inform their families.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.