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Adjutant and Inspector General Reports
1864 Report
Appendix F
HEADQUARTERS CAMP ADVANCE, September 13, 1861.
CAPT.: -- I inclose herewith the report of Col. Stevens, commanding the escort of Lieut. Poe (also the latter's report and sketch), during the reconnaissance of the 11th inst. I heard the firing from camp, and proceeded to take command, after leaving verbal instructions for such troops as could be spared from here to follow me. On the way out I met Capt. Mott, with a section of his battery, practicing his horses on the road, and gave him an order to follow, which he and his men obeyed with alacrity. On arriving on the field I found the command retreating in good order, the men in good spirits, and professing themselves ready for anything. After I arrived Capt. Griffin had two sections of his battery in use for a little while, but his fire was not replied to. Capt. Mott used his section in two positions for a few rounds. The dead and wounded were all brought in, but a Lieut. and 2 men of the Nineteenth Indiana had wandered from their proper places and were captured. A man who has come in through the lines informs me that he heard the Confederate troops say they lost 4 men killed and several horses. I give the report for what it is worth. I do not doubt but that strong forces had been brought from Flint Hill and Falls Church, and that a hope existed of causing our troops to attack. A fair opportunity was given them to attack us even while retreating, which was done without hurry and with great deliberation, but their artillery firing was stopped, and only glimpses were caught of their cavalry and infantry, and no disposition was evinced to come within range of our guns. The infantry of our command bore the artillery fire of the enemy without a chance to reply, and but three or four muskets were fired from our side. Col. Stevens' report will show you that great confidence may be placed in the troops who were with him, and that neither my presence nor that of the re-enforcements I ordered were necessary to bring to a successful termination the objects of the expedition.
Very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
W. F. SMITH,
Brigadier GeneralCapt. A. V. COLBURN,
Ass't Adj't Gen'l, WashingtonReturn to theIndex to Appendix F, Reports of Engagements
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