Cincinnati to Henry W. Halleck, April 30, 1863
(Received 9.55 a. m.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief :
This is from General Kelley, at New Creek, this morning, 1.30 a, m.:
Have ordered General Kenly to move with his two remaining infantry regiments. The One hundred and fifty-first New York and Miner’s (Indiana) battery will watch the New Creek Valley closely. It now looks to me like a grand combined movement of the enemy. If withdraw Smith, I will blockade the Northwestern road with timber for miles between North Branch and Stony River. Nothing from Grafton since
my last. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General,
The whole of the troops at Harper’s Ferry, on the Virginia side, are now gone westward with General Kenly, leaving only the garrison on
Maryland Heights to replace the five regiments thus taken. I send today, from the forts here, the Fifth New York Artillery, numbering 600, but this includes and withdraws the company garrisoning Fort Dix, at the Relay House. It is the utmost I can possibly do. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major-General, Commanding.
Washington, D. C., April 30, 1863.
Major-General SCHENCK, Baltimore, Md.:
If you want more troops in the west and at Harper’s Ferry, why do you leave so large a force at Winchester? As I have often repeated to you, verbally and in writing, that is no place to fight a battle. It is merely an outpost which should not be exposed to an attack in force.
H. W. HALLEOK, General-in-Chief.
BALTIMORE, M. D., April 30, 1863—9 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief :
The following dispatches just received from New Creek, 10 a. m., 30th :
The following dispatch just received from Colonel Mulligan. His information derived from the rebel officer is undoubtedly substantially correct :
“My prompt movement on Monday to Greenland Gap prevented Jones’ reserves from following him. May I suggest you call the attention of the General-in-Chief to the probable fact of this being a grand combined movement to destroy the road effectually and recover Western Virginia. Harper’s Ferry should be strengthened, if possible?”
April 30, 1863. General KELLEY:
I defy all the rebels in Western Virginia. God and the right.
April 30, 1863. General KELLEY:
From a rebel officer, captured last night, I learn the enemy’s strength and plans. General Jones, whom we engaged yesterday, has a force of 3,000, composed of the Sixth, Seventh, Eleventh, and Twelfth Regiments of Virginia Cavalry, and three battalions of Maryland cavalry. The Maryland line of infantry and two sections of a battery are moving to their support. General Imboden, with a force of 2,000, had arranged to unite with Jones at Philippi but our artillery on Sunday last prevented the connection. The plan was, that this force of 5,000 should destroy the towns and railroad, while a strong rebel force should engage the attention of Winchester and other points, The detachments I ordered to the support of Rowlesburg, under Col. James Quirk, returned at daylight. Rowlesburg is safe. If the enemy pour upon us, I shall make you proud of your Fifth Brigade.
i April 30, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY,
New Creek, Va.:
The following dispatch just received from General Roberts, at Clarksburg:
Where are General Kelley and forces? The advance of Jones’ forces are at Shinnston, 7 miles from this place. The advance of Imboden and Jackson are 11 miles from here, on the Philippi road.
Put yourself in communication with Roberts.
W. M. H. CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant-General.
BALTIMORE, April 30, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, New Creek, Va.: If you re-enforce Mulligan, then he can support Roberts. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major-General, Commanding.
BALTIMORE, April 30, 1863, Brigadier-General ROBERTS, Clarksburg, Va.: Kelley will endeavor to re-enforce Mulligan, who must support you. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major-General, Commanding.
CINCINNATI, April 30, 1863. Capt. A B. Dov, Wheeling :
If General Lightburn is in command of the Virginia forces, you will act under his directions, so as to co-operate with his command in the defense of the country bordering the Ohio. General Lightburn telegraphed yesterday that you had left for Parkersburg, and we are uncertain whether his dispatch was later than yours.
Keep these headquarters informed of your movements under General Lightburn’s direction, and of the condition of affairs.
J. D. COX, Brigadier-General.
APRIL 30, 1863. Captain GLASSFORD, Commanding Gunboat Belleau :
Siz: General Burnside directs that, if you are in condition to do so you take on board the detachment of infantry under Colonel Lacy, an proceed up the Ohio to Maysville, at which point you may stop and report by telegraph. This stop will be made in order that we may forward to you any dispatch we may receive from Cairo in response to mine of last evening. Should you be notified to proceed after reaching Maysville, you will go on to Parkersburg, stopping at the military lettsburg, Ky., Gallipolis, Ohio, Point Pleasant, Va., to inee rei ontoars’ GE your presence on that part of the river. At Parkersburg you will communicate with the military commandant, an ; be guided in regard to proceeding farther by the apparent necessity o your presence there. From that point you can communicate with these headquarters by telegraph. If you proceed to Wheeling, you will report there to Governor Peirpoint, or, in his absence, to the adjutantgeneral of that State, General ~ op i gemcnleae,
r obedient ser
Very respectfully, you . J. D. COX,