A. Moor to G. M. Bascom, May 16, 1862

Srm: I have the honor to report that at 12 o’clock yesterday I received the general’s letter, with instructions to send detachments toward Wytheville road. I had already made the details when I received intelligence that a rebel force, stated to be 1,000 to 2,500 strong, had crossed the mountains, coming down Cumberland Gap road. As there was not time to ask for further orders, I detailed for that expedition four companies of the Thirty-seventh, Lieutenant-Colonel Blessingh; four companies of the Twenty-eighth, Major Bohlender; two pieces of Captain Simmonds’ battery, and 25 of Captain Emmons’ company, Second Virginia Cavalry, all under my command. As it was

reported that Humphrey Marshall commanded the rebels, I also detailed Company A, Twenty-eighth, and Company A, Thirty-fourth, Lieut. H. ©. Hatfield, under command of Capt. E. Schache, Twentyeighth Ohio Regiment, to cross East Mountain on bridle-paths and to examine the roads along Wolf Creek. I also detailed Company (, Captain Miller, Thirty-fourth Regiment, to examine a road running east opposite my present position; the whole provided with two days’ rations and with written instructions to the commanders. At 1.30 o’clock p. m. the three detachments left camp. I, with the main force, marched 11 miles toward Rocky Gap. As it grew dark I turned over the command to Major Bohlender, Lieutenant-Colonel Blessingh being in the rear, and directed them to bivouac there without fire, rebel pickets being reported to be within a mile at a farm-house. Not feeling justified to stay away overnight from the brigade, I returned with the artillery to Frenchville. At 6 o’clock this morning the detachment under Captain Schache returned with 6 prisoners, 8 Mississippi rifles, 5 Enfield rifles, 1 Harper’s Ferry rifle, 3 common rifles, 2 muskets, 5 sabers, and 6 horses. The prisoners and list of names I send to you, under escort of Lieutenant McNally, Second Virginia Cavalry. The arms I stored for the present with Mr. Bogen, at Frenchville.

Please find Captain Schache’s report inclosed.* Company C, Thirtyfourth Regiment, returned last night. Captain Miller reported Union people on that road dreading rebel scouts from the mountains south of them. The road comes out on Hast River again about 25 miles from here. I have it guarded now.

The detachment to Rocky Gap will return to-day. I shall report the result of that reconnoiter as soon as possible.

very respectfully, your most obedient servant,