Benjamin F. Kelley to Benjamin F. Kelley, September 26, 1863

Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Commanding Department : From Crab Bottom one regiment moved Tuesday, one Wednesday, and one yesterday morning (supposed to be going to Jackson’s River), leaving two battalions and two guns in Crab Bottom, besides Sixty- second [Virginia] Regiment, which was at Seneca yesterday morning. All quiet at Parsons’ Mills. Jenkins’ force is either going to Jones, to Elkwater road, via Back Creek, or to Sutton. I think these men on my right belong to Imboden. W. M. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General,

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST Virginia, Clarksburg, September 26, 1863.

His Excellency A. I. BorEMAN, Governor of West Virginia:

GovERNOR: I have the honor to inform you that from information which I deem reliable, it is evident that Jenkins, Jackson, and Imboden areeither contemplating a combined movement into West Virginia in force, or that they intend sending small detachments and guerrilla bands into the different counties at the same time, for the purpose of destroying the railroads, and capturing and destroying the public stores and property, as well as stealing horses, robbie stores, and plundering and murdering the people.

I respectfully suggest that you issue a proclamation to the people to be on the alert, calling on the militia to organize and arm, and be ready to assemble and move to any point threatened at the shortest

ossible notice. Ido not desire to alarm the people by this action. ndeed, there is no necessity for unnecessary alarm. My object is to put the people on their guard and have them ready to repel the invader whenever or wherever he may show himself. I am, sir,

your obedient servant,