J. Kilpatrick to C. Ross Smith, August 27, 1863
August 27, 1863. Lieut. Col. C. Ross SMITH, Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps:
CoLONEL: I have the honor to report that the enemy is still in force this side of the river. He hasa strong line of pickets from Lamb’s Creek Church to the Potomac. There are three regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and four pieces of artillery at King George Court-House.
Forage in large quantities is daily taken across the river at Port, Conway. The enemy is in force opposite that point. The boats used by the enemy are boats taken from the river near Port Conway. I had them filled with stones last winter and sunk; there are four. Were these destroyed it would be difficult for them to obtain more. If the major-general commanding thinks it advisable, I should like to move down the river, capture this force on this side, and destroy the boats.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
YORKTOWN, V4., August 27, 1863.
General NaGuEE, Norfolk, Va.:
A great commotion is in Matthews County. Three companies
there was a general skedaddle. Six have come in here with canoes,
taken oath of allegiance, and want to go to Eastern Shore. May
they go direct? Otherwise they must lose their boats.