Brigadier General B. F. Kelley is placed in command of the Department of West Virginia.

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By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Big Spring Branch, June 25, 1863-Midnight.

Major General THOMAS L. CRITTENDEN:

The general commanding directs you to move on Manchester, by most direct route, early to-morrow morning, and, if possible, occupy that place and commence the crossing of Duck River to-morrow night. Throw out a force of cavalry to effect a junction with the headquarters of General Thomas' column, en route from Beech Grove to Manchester. By noon to-morrow it is hoped a line of couriers may be established direct from Beech Grove to Lumley's Stand, and thence to your headquarters. Department headquarters will be at Beech Grove after 2 o'clock to-morrow.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Big Spring Branch, June 25, 1863-8.50 a. m.

Major-General McCOOK:

Your dispatch of 6.50 a. m. just received. The general commanding asks, "Does it not look as if they were intending to fall back?"

Very respectfully,

FRANK S. BOND,

Major and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Big Spring Branch, June 25, 1863-10 a. m.

Major-General McCOOK,

Commanding Twentieth Army Corps, Liberty Gap:

GENERAL: Your dispatch of 8.40 a. m. is received. The general commanding directs you to send cavalry well out to your right, to discover whether the enemy is making any demonstrations in that direction. Send your train this way, in rear of Brannan, with a view of bringing your command across to this pike and eastward. In the mean time, hold a threatening front toward the enemy, and keep him in ignorance of your intended flank movement.

As soon as definite information is received from yourself and General Thomas of the enemy's strength and movements, further orders will be given.

All goes well thus far.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.