HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF HARPER'S FERRY,
Harper's Ferry, W. Va., September 30, 1864.

Colonel EDWARDS,

Commanding Post Winchester, Va.:

I inclose you copy of General Orders, No. 17.* Please, by return courier, advise me of the strength of your command, the number of wounded at your post, the number of rebel prisoners, and such other facts as will fully possess me of the condition of affairs at Winchester. The courier carries dispatches for General Sheridan, which you will forward with all dispatch.

Respectfully,

JOHN D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.

GRAFTON, W. VA., September 30, 1864.

(Received 5.10 p. m.)

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

Arrived here at 1 a. m. Found all quiet. I think the road safe. The militia have been called out by the Governor, and are responding nobly. As soon as I can concentrate sufficient force, I will move on the enemy, and leave the militia to guard the railroad and public property. Nothing from Beverly.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brevet Major-General.

CUMBERLAND, MD., September 30, 1864.

Brevet Major-General KELLEY,

Grafton or Clarksburg, W. Va.:

Captain Ellicott, of General Duffie's command, had returned form the scout on which you sent him yesterday. He came up with part of McNeill's command at Washington's Ford yesterday afternoon, attacked him, killed 1 rebel and wounded another, and took 2 prisoners. Last night McNeill attacked Captain E. near Widow Reese's, forcing him to fall back. He arrived here at 11 this a. m., without any loss.

HENRY J. JOHNSON,

Lieutenant, &c.

CLARKSBURG, W. VA., September 30, 1864.

Brevet Major General B. F. KELLEY,

Grafton:

Hagans fell back last evening eight miles. Toward midnight he again entered Buckhannon, and at 3 o'clock this morning. He now thinks the enemy is en route toward Bulltown. Sent operator to Weston yesterday. All quiet there this morning. I will some and see you by train.

N. WILKINSON,

Colonel.

---------------

*See p.221.

---------------