the case; Custer's brigade may have crossed there. The enemy, who now have Shepherdstown, will perhaps cross, in which case I want you to keep close in on their left flank and pitch into them. It is reported that Fitz Lee has gone by way of Martinsburg, in which case you must look out for him. If Custer has crossed he can join his division, as I will send it toward South Mountain Pass; please inform him.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

If you and Custer are pressed by Fitz Lee's cavalry pitch into it; you must defeat him if possible.

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Halltown, W. Va., August 25, 1864.

Brevet Major General B. F. KELLEY,

Cumberland, Md.,:

Please send at once by rail to Hancock, Md., and from thence overland via Hagerstown to this place, the stragglers belonging to this command that you have collected at Cumberland.

By order of Brevet Major-General Crook:

P. G. BIER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS. No. 28.
Cumberland, Md., August 25, 1864.

* * * * *

III. In pursuance of orders from the major-general commanding the department, the One hundred and fifty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guard, Colonel C. Marker, will proceed to Camp Chase, Ohio, for the purpose of being mustered, their term of service having expired. The quartermaster's department will provide transportation.

By order of Brevet Major-General Kelley:

C. A. FREEMAN,
Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HANCOCK, August 25, 1864.

(Received 6.03. p.m.)

General KELLEY:

I have reliable information from citizens from Bloomery, Oakland, and Sleepy Creek Valley, who report no rebels in that vicinity; none have been there since the raid. I also have reliable information from Martinsburg and line of road this side; no rebels there.

P. B. PETRIE,

Captain