STAUNTON, VA., December 19, 1863.

General J. A. EARLY:

My brigade is marching now for the Winchester turnpike. Home guards ordered out. Captain Smith's reports must be taken with allowance. He has not great deal of experience.

H. H. WALKER,

Brigadier-General.

[29.]

STAUNTON, VA., December 19, 1863.

General J. A. EARLY:

O'Ferrall's men are nearly all captured, and the rest not available. There in no force here sufficient to picket with. I will do the best I can under the circumstances and keep you advised.

J. W. G. SMITH,

Captain and Provost-Marshal.

[29.]

DECEMBER 19, [1863].

Major General J. A. EARLY:

I now move to make an attack upon the enemy. I may divide them.

WM. L. JACKSON,

Colonel.

[29.]

JACKSON'S RIVER, [December] 19, 1863.

Major General J. A. EARLY:

Averell's main force passed up Jackson's River this evening about 6 o'clock for Covington. The prisoners state that Averell's force on this side is about 700. We will attack at daylight in the morning. They give no clue as to his plans in future. Colonel Jackson is cut off from the command.

W. W. ARNETT,

Colonel Twentieth Virginia Regiment.

[29.]

JACKSON'S RIVER, [December -, 1863].

(Received Staunton, Va., 19th.)

Major-General EARLY:

Dispatch received. Will communicate with Lee and General Echols. Averell was at New CAstle yesterday; stopped by high water. He may take the Rich Patch route to Potts Creek across to Dunlap's Creek, and come in near Callaghan's, or the Salt Pond, or the Sweet Springs route. I will endeavor to find out which.

W. L. JACKSON.

[29.]

JACKSON'S RIVER, December 19, 1863.

General EARLY:

The enemy are now advancing upon me on the Rich Patch route. I am skirmishing with the advance. I will burn the Island Ford bridge and throw them down this way. Watch Warm Springs at Gatewood's. My force is small. I will do the best I can.

WM. L. JACKSON.

[29.]