Unknown to Joseph A. J. Lightburn, November 9, 1861

Camp Gauley Mountain, November 9, 1861.

Yours (No. 18) received. Major Crawford just returned, and reports the river too high to cross to night, but falling; will be ready by tomorrow night. We leave three companies scouting the front of Cotton Hill opposite the ferries. Your scouts’ reports and these will determine if we are to move at once or wait until to-morrow night. In that case Schenck will cross 3,000 men, and will seize Fayette and advance down the read, and you will take them by the Laurel Creek route only or by the Nugent path only, or by both, as may be determined by the partieres of the ground, which you will learn from your scouts, and communicate to me, with your opinion thereon, as soon after they come in as practicable. I have been informed that the area between you and Mill Creek Valley, up which the Fayette road passes, consists of flattopped rolling surface, over which our scouts can go whenever they please. This was my impression, but it has been so flatly contradicted that I gave up until to-day.

Brigadier-General BENHAM, Camp, Loop Oreck Mouth.

[Inclosure No. 24.] NOVEMBER 10, 1861.

Your dispateh received. The Eleventh, 200 strong, is over the river ] holds the erests and path well up. The First Kentucky has sent over 200, who hold farther down to near the Fayette road. Schenck will hardly be able to cross to-night, but if the rebels try to dislodge our men, you may be called on to take them in rear. Hold everything in hand. Have your men inspected, to see that no one is without ammunition or provisions. Floyd over on the hill, anxious. Will give you further orders soon.