Geo. S. Dodge to Andrew Ainsworth, March 11, 1865

Capt. Andrew Ainsworth,

Captain of the Port:

Captain: In compliance with orders received from Major-Oeneral Terry, commanding at Wilmington, you will take the tug Davidson and such men and machines as you require and, as soon as the guard reports, you will proceed up the Cape Fear River as far as possible with safety to the tug and men, ascertaining as nearly as possible the amount of obstructions in the river, clearing the river of such obstructions, communicating with General Sherman’s scouts, if pos¬ sible. Seventy-five men will be detailed as guard, with arms and three days’ rations, with sufficient officers to command them.

You can send out scouts on the banks of the river at such places as may be necessary to protect the boat.

If necessary, I will send the Christopher, to return with such infor¬ mation as you may obtain from the scouts, contrabands, and all per¬ sons that can give you information of service to the commanding general.

You will be cautious in your movements, and go as far as possible.

Respectfully, &g..