CUMBERLAND, July 31, 1864-6 p. m.

Brigadier-General ROWLEY,

Pittsburg:

A large rebel force is just reported to be in Hancock, supposed to be moving this way be the National road.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

GREAT CACAPON, July 31, 1864.

General B. F. KELLEY:

We left Hancock about 10 o'clock; rebels there in force; fought them some time, when they opened out with 10 or 12 pounder Parrott guns, and struck our smoke-stack the second shot. Fearing also our being cut off we came to this place; made narrow escape; one-half hour longer we would have been cut off. The company at Hancock and Sir John's Run coming along. The line of rebels as seen appear to be near a mile long with their trains. Any orders?

PETRIE and

HARRISON,

Captains.

CUMBERLAND, July 31, 1864.

Captain PETRIE,

Via Cacapon:

Watch movements of enemy as long as prudent. I want to know if they are coming by pike to Cumberland. If so, fall back at once and bring the detachments with you. Keep me fully advised.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

CUMBERLAND, July 31, 1864.

J. B. FORD, Esq.,

Wheeling:

No movement in force by the enemy in this direction has yet developed itself. McNeill crossed the road and river night before last near Green Spring, and robbed the stores in Old Town; slightly damaged telegraph line, and then decamped, doing no injury to railroad. The iron-clads are below-about Hancock. We ran passenger train to Hancock this a. m. Please keep me advised.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, July 31, 1864.

(Received 8. 30 p. m.)

Major-General HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

A scout from Hagerstown reports our cavalry there at 10 a. m. The enemy have not passed through there nor crossed the river below Williams' Ford. The force that has crossed above is reported to be only cavalry and artillery. A scout of seventy-five cavalry sent from here this morning found the enemy four miles below Charles-