HEADQUARTERS, July 9, 1861

Winchester, July 9, 1861.

General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector ena:

GENERAL: I have just been informed by Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart, commanding our cavalry, that he has reason to believe that the enemy intends to advance upon us to-night (the distance is but twenty-two miles). The evidences are that it is the belief of the people living near the town, ascertained by his pickets, and that three days’ provisions were issued to-day, and that a United States lieutenant had mentioned it.

We are not prepared beyond the readiness of our men to fight. The field works have not been progressed with far enough to make them useful, and the militia is not provided with fixed ammunition, having receiv ed but powder and lead.

Most respectfully, &c., J. E. JOHNSTON.