Isaac J. Wistar to Per JNO. L. WINKHON, October 22, 1861
Near Poolesville, Md., October 22, 1861.
SIR:
I have the honor to send for the examination of the general – commanding a rebel officer captured yesterday by Capt. John Markoe – in one of the enemyâs charges upon our position at Conradâs Ferry. Captain Markoe was afterward captured himself by the enemy.
Having been severely wounded myself near the close of the action, I am unable to make a detailed report of my losses on the occasion, further than my killed, wounded, and missing amount to more than onehalf those engaged. Most of those who escaped swam the river, consequently my loss in muskets is very great; but comparatively few fell â
into the hands of the enemy, they mostly having been destroyed in the. river to prevent it. – I went into action with about 600 men, being the first battalion of my regiment, yesterday afternoon about 2 p. m. –
The action continued until dark, with a heavy loss on both sides, the firing on both sides being very spirited: and effective.
Out of the whole force I can parade this afternoon about,270 men, ~ the officers having suffered disproportionally great. .
My own wounds are severe and painful but not fatal, with ordinary _ good fortune, as I understand, and I hope to make a detailed tepore shortly.
I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant, HE Colonel, Commanding California Regiment, –
Per JNO. L. WINKHON,
(Colonel Wistar being unable to write.)
Captain STEWART,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Omar. XIV) â BALL’S BLUFF AND-EDWARDS FERRY, YA. 3297
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