Eliakim P. Scammon to Kine, September 23, 1863

General Kine: The rebels have just been at Brooks’, near this, and taken 10 cavalry. They have struck for the Braddock road. I have sent a small escort to Fairfax Station [Court-House] with Major Willard. A. H. GRIMSHAW, Colonel. CLARKSBURG, W. Va., September 23, 1863—3.15 p. m. Received 8 p. m.) Brig. Gen. G. W. CULLUM, Chief of Staff: In order that the General-in-Chief may fully understand the state of matters in the mountains, I send you copies of last telegrams from Generals Scammon and Averell. If the information contained in these telegrams is reliable, it would be very hazardous to send an expedition at present to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, as suggested. I will, however, cause Scammon’s and Averell’s commands to be in readiness to repel attack, or move forward if you deem it best. Highton is in Highland County, on the Staunton and Beverly pike. BEVERLY, September 23, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY : Scouts! just from Crab Bottom report that three regiments joined Jenkins on Monday evening. He had three pieces of artillery, and expected Imboden to join 15 R R—VOL XXIX, PT II him. A colonel stated that they had marching orders for yesterday. He has now seven regiments and three batteries. It was reported on the Seneca road yesterday by a citizen that 100 of Jenkins’ men were preparing to come down on to Cheat River. I have 150 ready to meet them on Shaffer Mountain. W. M. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General. Brigadier-General KELLEY : Lieutenant Abbott, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, reports Forty-fifth and Twenty-second [Virginia Infantry], and Edgar’s battalion near Lewisburg; Eighth Virginia Cavalry, Derrick’s [battalion infantry], and Dittrick’s [?] cavalry, at Sinking Creek. Cavalry camp seen distinctly. All passes guarded. Union houses watched. Could not get food for his party. Other party not yet heard from.

SCAMMON,