Samuel Cooper to J. B. FLoyp, Wytheville, Va, July 17, 1861

General J. B. FLoyp, Wytheville, Va.: Information of the disaster to General Garnett’s command has been received, and McClellan is at Huttonsville. To oppose his seizure of the Virginia Central Railroad, a junction of your command and that of General Garnett, now probably at Monterey, is desired. You will advance with your brigade by railroad to Salem, thence to Jackson’s River, if your transportation will permit. If not, to Staunton. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. Richmond, July 17, 1861. GENERAL: Information has been received of the disastrous retreat of Garnett?s command to Monterey and the advance of McClellan’s to Huttonsville. The aid of your force and that of General Floyd becomes important. If your command is not now essential in Kanawha, move up toward Covington. Communicate with ot Floyd, who is ordered to proceed in that direction.

8S. COOPER,