Robert H. Chilton to Humphrey Marshall, January 24, 1862

General HUMPHREY MARSHALL: i Fall back to Pound Gap and report dispositions there made. Letter will go by Captain Wade, i S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

Richmond, January 24, 1862.

GENERAL: Iam directed by the Secretary of War to advise you that, in view of the inability of this Department to re-enforce you at present, it is deemed best that you should fall back to Pound Gap, there making such dispositions as may be deemed most expedient, and reporting your movements promptly to this office.

Captain Wade reports the route by the Louisa Fork to be impracticable for an advance of the enemy in force, and, further, that there is à possibility of his cutting you off, should you take thatroute , by means of his greater facilities through steamboat navigation to Piketon.

very respectfully, &e.,