HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, Clifton, August 18, 1864.

Brigadier-General AVERELL,
Commanding Cavalry Division, Martinsburg:

GENERAL: General Torbert reports this a.m. that you are at Smithfield or Middleway. You report at 4 a.m. to-day that you will remain at Martinsburg and wait for the enemy, falling back, if necessary, to Williamsport, which is all right. Make frequent reports to the commanding officer at Harper's Ferry.

By command of Major-General Sheridan:

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, Charlestown, Va., August 18, 1864.

Brigadier General W. W. AVERELL,
Commanding Cavalry Division, Martinsburg, Va.:

GENERAL: Two dispatches from you have been received to-day. All right. Follow the directions I have given heretofore. I do not consider it safe to notify you by telegraph of the position of the troops. Our cavalry is well out toward Winchester. Communicate with me by express and keep me advised of any movement of the enemy in your direction. Have you a cipher operator?

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

CUMBERLAND, August 18, 1864.

Brigadier-General AVERELL,

Martinsburg:

Rumors are rife of the advance of the rebel force again, largely re-enforced. Please give me your latest information.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brevet Major-General.

CUMBERLAND, August 18, 1864.

Governor BOREMAN,

Wheeling:

It is reported that Early has been largely re-enforced and is advancing again on Martinsburg, General Sheridan's force falling back toward Harper's Ferry. The term of service of most of my force has now expired, and the officers and men are determined to go home. Some active measures must be taken to have troops sent me or West Virginia will be overrun.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brevet Major-General.

MARTINSBURG, August 18, 1864.

General KELLEY:

General Averell is going back by way of Williamsport. He is on Williamsport road. I have no news of the enemy's intentions or doings.

BRENAMAN.