War Department to Benjamin F. Kelley, September 19, 1863

Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Commanding Department : My picket on the Seneca road has been stationed from half a mile to 2 miles of the Burnt House for several days, with orders to change their position twice every twenty-fourhours. A patrol from that picket has gone in the direction of Soldier White’s daily, and Rol from here visit the pickets on each road daily. From New nterest a patrol goes to Carrick’s Ford. All the pickets have orders not to permit themselves to be seen, which will account for the captain of the Sixth failing to observe them. The Burnt House isa dangerous place for a picket, so I keep them near enough to observe without being seen. I have had several sketches made of all that section, and officers have carefully examined all those roads, and their reports are before me. Scouts from Pocahontas report that Jackson has gone to McDowell. I do not place implicit reliance upon it. Iam not sure that Mulligan ought not to be re-enforced. I have strengthened and extended my pickets in the directions you suggest. My report this morning is in reply to vour dispatch; was intended to relieve you of any disquietude, and not as a manifestation of undue sensitiveness. I trust you will regard it so, and believe that I shall be happy to avail myself of your experience and knowledge f thi try at all times. of this country a W. M. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General.

War DEPARTMENT,