HARPER'S FERRY, August 20, 1864- 5 a.m.

(Received 8 a.m.)

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

I have just received the following dispatch from General Averell. All quiet in Sheridan's front at this hour. General Averell's dispatch is dated 2 a.m. to-day and is as follows:

I have just received the following information: At 5 p.m. 19th Gilmor, with forty or fifty men, entered Martinsburg, one brigade of Fitz Lee's cavalry, with two regiments of infantry, being at Big Spring, on the Winchester pike. The remainder of Fitz Lee's command was to pass through Snicker's Gap and join the main body of Lee's army, which was to cross the Potomac at Edwards' Ferry. Fitz Lee's cavalry was to cross at Shepherdstown and look after Averell.

N. P. CHIPMAN,

Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, August 20, 1864-2.24 p.m.

Colonel CHIPMAN,

Harper's Ferry:

Please report what force is at Harper's Ferry, who is in command, and what is the condition of the troops and defenses.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, August 20, 1864-8 p.m.

Colonel CHIPMAN,

Harper's Ferry:

Your telegram to-day does not say where Averell is, and omits the place his dispatch is dated from Accuracy requires this always to be stated. Is the river picketed to Monocacy, and have you any communication with Edwards' Ferry? How far below Harper's Ferry on the river have you means of information?

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

HARPER'S FERRY, W. VA., August 20, 1864-8 p.m.

(Received 9.40 p.m.)

Honorable EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

General Stevenson commands at Harper's Ferry. He sent detachment of Loudoun Rangers on scout into Loudoun County this morning. From report just made by Lieutenant-Colonel Cook I glean the following: Detachment crossed Potomac at Mock's Ford; went near Leesburg; heard no enemy; changed direction; crossed mountain at Gray's Gap; went to Waterford; encountered Mosby with twelve of his guer-