take to the mountains. No changes in General Sheridan's lines. General Stevenson, since your withdrawal from Shepherdstown, has sent pickets off in that direction.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. P. CHIPMAN,

Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION,
DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA,

Fair Play, Md., August 21, 1864.

Major WITCHER,

Third Virginia Cavalry:

MAJOR: The general commanding desires that you will send an officer and twenty men to cross the river at Cherry Run, proceed from there to Bath, and thence to Bloomery Gap. He will return via Hancock and report immediately to these headquarters in writing. Instruct him to get all the information possible of the movements of the enemy. He will make the trip as rapidly as possible.

Respectfully,

WILL RUMSEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HANCOCK, August 21, 1864.

Major-General KELLEY:

Courier just returned from down the river reports all quiet on the Potomac. No rebels crossed into Maryland yet; reports 400 rebels in Martinsburg; small bands scouting the country between Martinsburg and the river. The above is direct from signal officer at Fairview. I will hear from him to-day again. A citizen just in from Hedgesville reports no rebels west of Martinsburg.

E. J. C. HULL.

CUMBERLAND, August 21, 1864.

Captain PETRIE,

Hancock:

You will direct the detachment of the Thirty-fourth Ohio to return and guard Back Creek bridge. They will proceed to-morrow morning. They can carry their rations, &c., down on hand-car.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Cumberland, August 21, 1864.

Captain C. J. HARRISON:

(Through Captain Peirpoint, commanding post.)

The general commanding directs that you place your company in readiness to proceed to South Branch and re-enforce the garrison at