J. Hall to L. G. Esrzs, September 22, 1863

Assistant Adjutant-General:

CapTaIn: Major Wells, with a portion of this and the Eighteenth Pennsylvania Regiment, went several miles below Falmouth yesterday, but discovered no traces of the enemy this side of the river. He thinks the report made by Major Darlington the night before to be groundless. The major was so much frightened as to withdraw all of his pickets from Banks’ and United States Fords, and fell back to Hartwood Church. Major Wells saw the pickets all replaced along the river, and reports everything quiet. —

There is a family living 3 or 4 miles from here, consisting of the old people and five sons, four of the latter being in the rebel army. The fifth, a stout, able-bodied man, is at home, he being exempt from conscription by reason of being ashoemaker. The father is also a healthy, able-bodied man. One of the four sons belonging to the pee is now lurking about home, engaged in bushwhacking and kindred pursuits, as I have good reason to believe.

There are other similar cases in this vicinity, and I would respectfully ask that I may be advised as to what course I shall pursue with cases of this nature.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,