John D. Wilkins to William H. Powell, July 20, 1862

Sir: I have the honor to inclose a report supplementary to one already furnished by Captain Walker. The reason of its not having been furnished earlier was my having been sick. In justice to myself I have the honor to state that on the 24th of June, at Camp Lovell, I was quite ill with fever, and was on the sick report, unable to attend any duty at the time the movement commenced, and was ordered by the assistant surgeon to the rear. On the day of the battle at Gaines’ house I rode to the regiment in an ambulance and reported to Major Rossell for duty, and was ordered by him to return to the wagons and remain there. On the arrival of the regiment on the other side of the Chickahominy I reported for duty, and, as subsequent events proved, too soon for my health. On my arrival at this point, having been on foot nearly all the time, I was so utterly prostrated as to be entirely unfit for duty, and was sent by the assistant surgeon to the rear, and am only now sufficiently recovered to be fit for duty.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,