F. Sigel, July 3, 1864

(Received 6.30 a. m. July 4.) At 6 o’clock this morning the enemy attacked our forces at Leetown and Darkesville, on the Winchester pike Major-General Ransom led the force attacking Colonel Mulligan at Leetown. Rebel cavalry made an assault on our cavalry at Darkesville, and 1,100 cavalry went into our rear at North Mountain and on the Williamsport road. Colonel Mulligan, with his small force, fought the enemy stubbornly the whole day. In order to enable me to concentrate our forces, I ordered Colonel Mulligan to retire, if forced, as slowly as possible to Kearneysville and Shepherdstown. All stores were sent off on cars, and the remainder loaded on wagons. The train was sent to Shepherdstown to cross the river, and pena amie. I withdrew the troops from Martinsburg, when Colonel Mulligan was compelled to retire toward Kearneysville all my troops, consisting of two old and +wo regiments Ohio National Guard, infantry, 1,000 dismounted cayalry, 2 pieces of artillery, and 1,500 cavalry. Colonel Mulligan fought Major-Generals Ransom and Karly, unaided, on to Martinsburg. The exact strength of the enemy [ have not been able to ascertain. His cavalry is 2,600 strong. If our troops can cross the Potomac to-night I will march to fies er’s Ferry to join General Weber’s forces, and to operate from that place. The railroad being interrupted by the enemy, I could not communicate with General Hunter and General Kelley since about 10 a. m. to-day.

F. SIGEL,