John D. Wilkins to Daniel Butterfield, August 5, 1862

August 5, 1862—8.30 p. m. CAPTAIN: I have just this moment arrived. Before the arrival of General Butterfield I made disposition for advancing to Sycamore Church. My advance met some 7 of the enemy’s pickets, who immediately ran, and the cavalry pursued to and passed Sycamore Church. One picket surrendered and an old black man was captured and sent to General Butterfield. From the prisoner I learned that the pickets had gone to another church and from the negro a shortroute. A force of five regiments of infantry were reported there. Iimmediately started with my whole force, and on my arrival at the church found about 4 mounted pickets to the left and rear of some woods. Whilst making disposition to capture these they fired and ran. The cavalry pursued as in the former instance, but did not capture or kill any of them. The heat was excessive; many men sank under it, and I am at present suffering greatly from it. I will give a detailed report in the morning. The pickets have been pushed about a half mile farther to the front. I will furnish a map in the morning, provided I am well.

JOHN D. WILKINS,