WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, August 29, 1864-10 a. m.

Governor BOREMAN,

Wheeling:

I have been unable till now to inform you who commands the Department of West Virginia. General Hunter, in nominal command, was absent on leave and his address unknown. General Hunter is relieved of command to-day and General Crook assigned; he is in the field; his headquarters will be Cumberland.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

August 29, 1864.

Governor BROUGHT,

Columbus, Ohio:

Your telegram respecting General Breckinridge's advance into the Kanawha has just been received. Notice has been given to General Sheridan, who reported Breckinridge three days ago at Shepherdstown, on the Potomac. Sheridan has been directed to send one of his best general officers to command at Gallipolis. General Burbridge has also been directed to render all aid within his power, if it should turn out that Breckinridge has gone to West Virginia. If the report of your agent be true Sheridan has been very much deceived.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SUSQUEHANNA,
Chambersburg, Pa., August 20, 1864.

Captain SAMUEL WALKER,

Carrick Furnace, Path Valley:

CAPTAIN: The commanding general directs me to inform you that present indications are that the enemy are falling back from the Potomac River. If you have your company organized you had better disband it, subject to be ordered out at any time. You will be informed from these headquarters of any movement by the enemy in this direction.

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

JNO. S. SCHULTZE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SUSQUEHANNA,
Chambersburg, Pa., August 29, 1864.

Captain WILLIAM BURGESS,

Loudon, Pa.:

CAPTAIN: The commanding general directs me to inform you that present indications are that the enemy are falling back from the Potomac River. If you have an organization of men on the roads, as suggested