Henry Prince to SourHaARD HoFrrMan, June 22, 1863

Lieut. Col. SourHaARD HoFrrMan, Assistant Adjutant-General :

CoLoNEL: I have received the dispatch by the John Farrow, and will attend to getting the force ready.

It appears to me that a company should be left on the south side of the river, to save the work there from guerrillas; also two companies at Rodman’s and two at Hill’s Point.

I can move my command in three hours, unless some delay in getting companies from Hill’s Point and Rodman’s should occur, which I donot apprehend; consequently I shall not make known, excepting to one or two confidants, that I am looking to any preparation.

The two days’ rations can be cooked in three hours,

The guns are mounted on Fort McKibbin, and the ammunition in but I learn to-day that there is no ammunition here for the rifle siege guns. Should be glad if it could be sent without further formality.

The- other fort has been put back slightly.by a fall of part of the work, by digging the magazine incautiously. Colonel [Joseph] Jack and his regiment manifest by their interest in it, as appears to me, that they are to fix the name to it as Colonel McKibbin did. The colonel asked as a favor that I would permit 50 volunteers to work there on Sunday, under his direction, repairing the break, &c.

I regret that your visit is deferred; still more the cause.

Very respectfully, your obedient'servant,