D. E. Sickles to WILLIAM H. LAWRENCE, a, November 12, 1861

Second Brigade, Hooker’s Division, November 12, 1861.

CAPTAIN:

Herewith I have the honor to inelose Col. Charles K. Graham’s report of a reconnaissance of Mathias Point and the peninsula of which it is the terminus [No. 3]. Colonel Graham was effectively assisted by Lieut. Commander Samuel Magaw, of the U.S. steamer Freeborn; Acting Master Arnold Harris, of the U. S. steamer Island Belle, and Acting Master W. T. Street, of the U. S. cutter Dana.

The party, which consisted of 400 men of the Fifth Regiment, under the command of. Colonel Graham, embarked on Sunday evening last at Chapel Point, in Port Tobacco Creek, on board the Island Belle and Dana, and proceeded, the Dana towed by the Island Belle to Mathias Point. The embarkation and the landing were effected in admirable order, under the immediate direction of Acting Master Harris, who was the first to land. One of the enemy’s pickets, while about to fire upon Master Harris, was killed by that officer. Several others were wounded. The pickets were mounted, which enabled them to retreat rapidly and escape. Colonel Graham suffered no loss. The enemy was reported to be in some force, with three pieces of artillery, at Hampstead, 9 miles

Cuar. XIV.) EXPEDITION TO MATHIAS POINT, VA. 409

from the place of landing, inland, butit was not consistent witli Colonel Graham’s instructions to advance so far, or to seek an encounter with – any force which he had reason to believe superior in numbers to his own detachment. :

It is satisfactorily ascertained from this examination of Mathias Point and the contiguous territory for some 4 miles inland, that no guns are in position there, although it seems, in corroboration of previous accounts, that the enemy has made preparations to mask a battery on the point. A few rifle-pits were also noticed.

Between 30 and 40 negroes, some of whom returned with the troops and others making their way over in boats obtained on the Virginia shore, are now in Colonel Graham’s camp. I will thank you to favor me with instructions as to the disposition to be made of these persons. I presume much reliable information may be gathered from them.

This expedition, and the examination recently made of the Occoquan River by a party from the Fourth Regiment [Seventy-third New York Infantry], confirm the opinion heretofore expressed of the facility with which enterprises may be executed on the Virginia shore at almost any point which may be indicated. If I am honored with particular instructions as to any place on the shore to be visited, either in small parties or in force, the duty will be promptly, and I believe successfully, performed ; or, if left to the exercise of my own judgment as to the place of landing and the force to be employed, there is little doubt that, with the able and enthusiastie co-operation we are sure to receive, if permitted, from the gallant officers of the flotilla, some useful results may be confidently promised. It is reported to me that in one of the creeks below the point about 30 boats are now collected. These can be cut out and captured or destroyed. I learn from a report verbally made to me by Captain Morey (Fifth Regiment).that, from information since obtained, Colonel Graham’s detachment was within 24 miles and in the rear of the battery recently diselosed some 5 miles above Mathias Point, which on Monday fired upon the Freeborn and arrested her farther progress up the Potomae. There is little doubt that if the existenee of this battery had been known to Colonel Graham he could have taken it without diffieulty, as it is said to be feebly supported by infantry.* i if

* * * * * * * I am, captain,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Brigadier-General.
Capt. WILLIAM H. LAWRENCE, a
Aide-de-Camp, and Acting Assistant Adjutant General,
No. 3.
Report of Col. Charles K. Graham, Seventy-fourth New York Infantry.