STEAMER CURTIS PECK,
Near Stone Wharf, Va., July 13, 1861.
SIR: I have just heard of the capture of eleven prisoners from the enemy, near Curtis’ store, on the Warwick road, where we have a cavalry guard, with four killed on their side. The dead were buried on the ground by our men. Among the prisoners were two officers. Our party is said to have consisted of eighty men, the enemy being two hundred strong. The results here stated may be considered certain. The prisoners are at Yorktown.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
Colonel DEAS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
P. S.—I have carefully inspected the works at Jamestown Island, and ordered the erection of a redoubt, at the eastern point of it, to prevent a landing there, and to co-operate with the work on Spratley’s farm. I will write more at length to-night from Williamsburg.
HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., July 13, 1861.
SIR: I have the pleasure of sending a report from Major Hood, the efficient commander of the cavalry of my department, of a brilliant little affair with the enemy on the spot where the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Dreux fell. Too much praise cannot be bestowed on Major Hood and the cavalry generally for their untiring industry in efforts to meet the enemy, and for the energy with which they have discharged their harassing and unusually laborious duties. I have directed the prisoners to be sent to Richmond, to headquarters.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Colonel DEAS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
P. S.—Two deserters have just come in from Fort Monroe. They will be examined to-morrow.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. II. With additions and corrections. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1902.
Spirit of '61 