July 13, 1861.
SIR: After resting two hours near Leadsville our advanced column, Steedman, Dumont, and Milroy, moved on this morning at 3 o’clock in pursuit of the enemy. I am now advancing, at 5 o’clock, with the balance of my force to support them. We left Belington in pursuit yesterday with four wagons of hard bread and pork, which were all the available wagons, the balance having been sent to Philippi to bring up supplies from there. As I have before reported, we have but seven wagons to the regiment. Our men have necessarily been restricted in their rations, and must be more so as we advance. I shall pursue just as long as it is possible with the means of transportation at my command. If you could send us provisions, it would greatly assist us in the advance.
Inclosed I send you a dispatch, this moment received from Captain Benham, who is with the advance.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. A. MORRIS,
Brigadier-General.
Maj. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
[Inclosure.]
1 1/2 MILES EAST OF NEW INTEREST – 6.10 a. m.
GENERAL: I have just started, after having halted the column for half an hour. There is no doubt they have passed up on Pleasant Run, opposite me, and I follow them, though with much doubt. It is said they are now about six miles ahead, having traveled on last night.
H. W. BENHAM, Captain.
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 