I have thought it but justice to you, as well as myself, that you should be fully advised of the true condition of affairs, in order that you might take such action as you think proper.

Respectfully,

JOHN D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.

CUMBERLAND, October 16, 1864.

Brigadier-General STEVENSON:

There is a rumor of a battle in front near Cedar Creek. Have you any news?

Respectfully,

ROBT. P. KENNEDY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, October 16, 1864.

(Received Cumberland 8 p.m.)

Captain R. P. KENNEDY,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I have heard nothing of any engagement at the front.

JOHN D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.

WESTON, W. VA., October 16, 1 864.

Brevet Major-General KELLEY:

Youart, at Beverly, has information by Peirpoint's scouts that a force of rebels is concentrating in lower end of Pocahontas and intend to attack Beverly. In view of the small [number] and quality of his arms he asks to be re-enforced by a few companies of infantry.

N. WILKINSON,

Colonel, Commanding.

HARRISBURG, PA., October 17, 1864.

(Received 2.20 p.m.)

His Excellency A. LINCOLN:

I have information, from sources which I have hitherto found reliable, that the enemy has arranged for a raid into Pennsylvania about the end of this month. Part of my information is, that Sheridan's force has been reduced to 25,000 and that the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps are under orders to join General Grant; that, although nominally at Strasburg, Sheridan's forces are at Winchester and Berryville; that there is a rebel force near the railroad, independent of Mosby. I have little doubt a serious threat, much more a raid into Pennsylvania in this month, would be followed by serious disaster. I notice that the Secretary of War is absent or I would go to Washington to-day. Will you please to telegraph me to day on the subject as part of my information you know to be correct or error. I propose to go to Washing-