James W. Ripley to Edwin M. Stanton, April 28, 1863

(Received April 29—9.20 a. m.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: We have sent for the protection of Wheeling three companies of the Governor’s Guards, and one two-gun battery from Camp Chase; 100 men from Camp Thomas; 100 men from the provost-guard of this city, and 300 from Johnson’s Island } in all, 850. . This force, I doubt not, will be sufficient to “bag” the enemy if General Schenck sends sufficient force from the east to prevent their escape. DAVID TOD, Governor of Ohio. PITTSBURGH, PA,, April 28, 1863—3 a. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief : A messenger has just arrived from Uniontown, Pa., who reports a large force of rebels at Morgantown. As he has come for troops, I deem it proper to inform you the road from Wheeling to Cumberland has been broken up. O. CROSS, Tieutenant-Colonel and Deputy Quartermaster-General. Wan DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 28, 1863. Major-General ScHENCK, Baltimore, Md. : You should concentrate forces on the rear of Jones’ raid, so as to cut off his return. Elliott must be kept advised as much as possible of the enemy’s movements, so as to act accordingly. This raid is unquestionably made to divert our attention from the Rappahannock and Suffolk. If Roberts and Kelley will act promptly, they can cut Jones completely off. It is believed that his.entire force is not over 3,000. H. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. WHEELING, V. A., April 28, 1363, General RIPLEY: Post-office, banks, &c., all packing up to leave. Fifteen hundred Imboden’s cavalry within 30 miles. I have no men nor trains. Shall I blow up the depot in case it is necessary ? A. R. BUFFINGTON, Captain of Ordnance. Washington, April 28, 1863—1.10 p. m. Capt. A. R. BUFFINGTON, Wheeling, Va.: Your telegram has been received and submitted to the General-in- means possible, and to the last extremity. Only in case of absolute necessity should the property at the depot be abandoned, and then not until it has been destroyed, or otherwise rendered useless to the captors.

J. W. RIPLEY,