Benjamin F. Kelley to Jefferson Davis, May 10, 1864
Captain Davis: ay and find out real force of enemy, and proportion of infantry, artillery, and cavalry. There is a report of a column of cavalry at Madison Court-House, movin toward Charlottesville. Can this be part of Sigel’s force? I want to know atearli. est moment any movement toward Grant. Communicate often with me. My principal object in advancing up the Shenandoah Valley was to threaten Staunton, to divide the forces of Breckinridge, and to assist by these means General Crook, whose object is to destroy New River bridge. I have no later news from him than to the 6th instant, when he entered Princeton. My forces are insufficient for offensive operations in this country, where the enemy is continuously on my flank and rear. My intention, therefore, is not to advance farther than this place with my main force, but have sent out strong parties in every direction. Skirmishing is going on every day. If Breckinridge should advance against usI will resist him at some convenient position. My cavalry is at Mount Jackson to-day. FRANZ SIGEL, Major-General. CUMBERLAND, May:13, 1864—11 a. m. Brig. Gen. Max WEBER, Harper’s Ferry: One of the Ohio regiments has just passed here. Send orders to meet the colonel at Martinsburg. They will arrive there this evering. Nothing new. All quiet. How is it with you? B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, May 13, 1864—6 p. m. Brigadier-General WEBER : The One hundred and thirty-fifth Ohio has just arrived, and will proceed at once to Martinsburg and report to you.
B. F. KELLEY,