H.c»douthat to Charles S. Stringfellow, May 21, 1864

Masor: In reply to your communication of the 18th instant, directing me to submit at once a report of the part taken by my battery in the affair of May 10 at New River bridge, the operations subsequent thereto, &c., 1 would state that I remained with my battery, consisting of eight pieces (two 12-pounder guns, two 6pounder smooth-bore, two 12-pounder howitzers, and two 3-inch rifles), in position on the west bank of the river until Colonel McCausland had crossed with his forces to the east side of the river. I then received orders to cross my pieces, except the two 12-pounder guns, which I was ordered to destroy.

At 7p. m. I commenced crossing, and only having one boat was occupied until 12 o’clock that night. We were ordered into position with Bryan’s and Dickenson’s batteries the morning of the 10th, and awaited the approach of the enemy, who made his appearance about 10 o’clock, when we were ordered to open upon him. Some time after my ammunition was expended I was ordered off the field.

In this action I had 3 horses killed, and 1 man injured by being thrown from his horse and the limber of the gun passing over him. I fired in all 125 rounds, and brought off all my guns.

very respectfully, &c.,