CAMP NEAR KERNSTOWN, November 29, 1864.

(Received 4 p. m.)

General B. F. KELLEY,

Cumberland, Md.:

What damage has been done at New Creek and Piedmont to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and what captures have been made of troops, &c.? Please answer quickly.*

GEORGE CROOK,

Major-General.

CUMBERLAND, November 29, 1864-8 p.m.

Major-General CROOK,

Kernstown:

Major Potts arrived safe at New Creek with his command, bringing thirteen of Rosser's men as prisoners; one a lieutenant. Major Potts was forced to cross the mountain south of New Creek Station and strike the railroad at Swanton, on the Alleghany, twenty miles west of New Creek.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brevet Major-General.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. FORCES ON BALTIMORE AND OHIO R. R. WEST OF HANCOCK, MD., No. 2. Cumberland, Md., November 29, 1864.

Captain Thayer Melvin, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Volunteers, having reported to these headquarters for duty, in obedience to orders from headquarters Middle Military Division, is hereby announced as assistant adjutant-general of this command.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brevet Major-General.

NEW CREEK, November 29, 1864.

Major General B. F. KELLEY:

I have about 250 men and 175 horses here, with no supplies for either and no quartermaster. Can supplies be sent immediately? Major Potts has returned with 12 prisoners; lost 1 man captured. The rebels went from here to Greenland, and it is thought are going out by Monterey, whence they may send a force to Beverly. They are said to be at least 3,000 strong. I will report fully by letter. Please send orders.

GEO. R. LATHAM,

Colonel.

HEADQUARTERS,
Cumberland, November 29, 1864.

Captain P. B. PETRIE,

Commanding Detachment in Iron-Clads:

The general commanding directs that your proceed forthwith with an iron-clad, properly manned, to Twenty-first Bridge, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, or so far as practicable if the bridge cannot be reached, and

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*See Kelley to Crook, 4.30 p. m., p. 696.

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45 R R-VOL XLIII, PT II