Kelley, who conducted the movement on Philippi with marked, June 10, 1861

Cincinnati, Ohio, June 10, 1861.

Sie: Inclosed I have the honor to forward the report of Brig. Gen. T. A. Morris, Indiana Volunteers, commanding the U. 8. volunteer forces in the vicinity of Grafton, Va., giving a detailed account of the operations connected with the attack and occupation of Philippi.

After the two branches of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad leading from Wheeling and Parkersburg had been secured and Grafton occupied by our troops, I learned that the insurgents had retreated to Philippi, and received very considerable accessions to their numbers.

To prevent their further outrages upon the railroads or upon the property of loyal citizens, I directed an immediate movement to dislodge and. disperse them from their new position. This was executed under the orders of General Morris, Colonel Kelley, of the First Virginia Volunteers, having the immediate command of the attacking columns; and the result, as will be seen from General Morris’ report, was in many respects highly creditable to the troops engaged, and perfectly successful. The insurgents, about 2,000 in number, were surprised in their camp, routed, and in great confusion driven before our troops for several miles towards Beverly.

Although quite a number of them were killed and wounded and a large portion of their munitions captured, yet itis much to be regretted that the exhausted condition of our men, consequent upon a long night march through mud and rain, prevented them from overtaking and capturing the mass of the fugitives. It is believed, however, that the effect of this decisive engagement will be to inspire the Union people of the country with confidence in our ability to afford them protection.

Had the attack been supported by a few companies of cavalry, it is probable that many of the enemy would have been captured or cut to ‘ pieces. As I have no available troops of that description in my department, I would

very respectfully urge upon the consideration of the general commanding the importance ef a mounted force (regular cavalry if

they can be furnished) to insure the success of future operations in this

department. .

Colonel Kelley, who conducted the movement on Philippi with marked

ability and zeal, received a severe wound early in the action, which at

the time was supposed to be mortal, but I am now happy to say that he

is considered out of danger. From the moment he received my orders

at Wheeling to move on Grafton up to the time he was wounded he has

exhibited in an eminent’degree the qualities of an efficient commander,