HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SUSQUEHANNA,
Chambersburg, Pa., August 23, 1864.

Brigadier-General AVERELL,

Commanding Cavalry Division, &c.:

GENERAL: I have at this place one company of cavalry, two companies infantry, and two pieces of artillery; four additional pieces will be down to-day. At Greencastle and Mercersburg, each, one company of mounted men; two companies of infantry in the gaps between Mercersburg, Loudon, and McConnellsburg, and one in the gap between here and Gettysburg. Should the enemy advance into this valley these gaps will be closed, and, I trust, held.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. N. COUCH,

Major-General.

NEAR MARTINSBURG, August 23, 1864.

(Received 3.50 p.m.)

General KELLEY:

I am sight of Martinsburg. The rebels hold Martinsburg; small party of them just came in, and are now driving our scouts; out of the town; about five or six of our scouts had come into the town; had not been there long before rebel scouting party came in; they are still firing in the town. Getting very warm here; I must get out of this. I will go back to Hancock, and go by pike to Williamsport if you say so, and find out what is going on. Answer at Hancock.

F. B. MILLER.

HANCOCK, August 23, 1864.

(Received 1.20 p.m.)

General KELLEY:

I have just returned from Back Creek. Sent scouts to North Mountain and Hedgesville. Saw a man from Martinsburg; no troops there. General Averell is at Swamp Run, near Shepherdstown.

P. B. PETRIE,

Captain.

CUMBERLAND, August 23, 1864.

Colonel STEVENSON,

Commanding 154th Ohio National Guard, New Creek:

You will proceed with your command and report to the adjutant-general of the State of Ohio at Columbus. Assistant quartermaster will furnish transportation. Order by mail.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brevet Major-General.

CUMBERLAND, August 23, 1864.

Colonel WILKINSON, Clarksburg:

A portion of the Eighth Virginia Cavalry is at Crab Bottom, going toward Beverly, about 400 strong. Advise the commandant at Beverly, and direct him to send a scout toward Monterey at once. Did Captain Hagans' company get their horses?

B. F. KELLEY,

Brevet Major-General.