Edwin M. Stanton to Benjamin F. Kelley, May 11, 1864

Major Myers, of the Ringgold Cavalry, has just arrived here, and reports that yesterday morning about daylight they were attacked at the junction of Winchester and Moorefield pike with the Lost River road from Brock’s Gap by Generals Rosser and Imboden, with an overwhelming force; were driven back via the Grassy Lick road, through Romney and Springfield, to Green Spring, where they crossed the river, and are now at Old Town. Rosser and Imboden are reorted in Romney this a. m. with a force of cavalry, mounted inantry, and artillery, estimated at from 2,000 to 3,000 men. Colonel Higgins is out of ammunition and forage. I cannot send it to him by train for fear of capture. Have sent to New Creek for ammunition for him, and have suggested to him to move up here at once, when I can supply his wants and get him ready to recross the river again. I fear Rosser and Imboden intend to attack this place and New Creek, or perhaps move round me and go into West Virginia west of the mountains. Although assigned to this command

by order of Secretary of War, it is my understanding that my command is not an independent one, but is embraced still in your department. I shall so act unless otherwise ordered. Colonel Strother can