CUMBERLAND, MD., March 6, 1864.

(Received 2. 46 p. m.)

Brigadier General G. W. CULLUM,

Chief of Staff:

A cavalry scout, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Root, of the Fifteenth New York Cavalry, has just returned from Hardy and Pendleton Counties. They effectually destroyed all the saltpeter-works near Franklin, in the latter county. General Crook reports the capture of 40 rebels a few days since by his scouts in the Kanawha Valley.

B. F. KELLEY.

Brigadier-General.

CUMBERLAND, March 6, 1864.

Brigadier-General AVERELL:

Please keep your cavalry scouts active in the region west of Winchester as far as Wardensville. Deserters report small squads of the enemy's cavalry in that neighborhood. The First Virginia Cavalry has been ordered to report to you without delay. Regiment now numbers over 1,000.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General

HDQRS. FOURTH DIV., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA.

Martinsburg, March 6, 1864.

Brigadier General B. F. KELLEY,
Cumberland:

Scouting party was sent this morning in the direction indicated. It has been reported by deserters and refugees that the rebel forces int eh valley are scattered for subsistence; also by one, that a party of engineers have been surveying the roads in the upper valley. All quiet.

WM. W. AVERELL,

Brigadier-General.

CUMBERLAND, March 6, 1864.

Brigadier-General SULLIVAN,

Harper's Ferry:

Your telegram received. Keep your cavalry scouts active, so as to know at all times if any enemy is near you. Lieutenant-Colonel Root of the Fifteenth New York Cavalry, returned to-day from a scout of five days in Pendleton County. Found no enemy at Franklin, as reported. Destroyed valuable saltpeter-works in Pendleton County.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.