John G. Foster to H. W. HALueck, November 1, 1863

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALueck, Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Army:

GENERAL: I have gotten ready to start, and propose to move up the James River, on Wednesday morning, as far as Fort Powhatan; to land there and throw up works on both sides of the river; to start the apy s at first toward Richmond, whipping and pursuing the force at Charles City Court-House as far as they can go; then to cross them over the river and to make a raid on Petersburg and the railroad between that city and Weldon. I trust this plan will meet with your approval. I can take a force of 4,500 infantry, 2,300 cavalry, and 500 artillery. I am quite sure that we can make a great noise, if nothing more, and draw off some force from General Lee.

I propose to hold and fortify every point on the James as far as we go, that, by being possessed by the enemy, would give him command of the river. From there, as sheltering points, cavalry raids can be easily made, and our supplies be gepnied by the way of the river. I wish:-very much that the force of infantry was greater, so that I could make a solid attack. As It is, I cannot venture to stir far from the river with the infantry and artillery. We will, however, do our best to worry the enemy. We can prevent the enemy gathering the crops on the river and in its vicinity, and thus distress them, as supplies of all kinds are, as I am informed by all deserters: and refugees, getting very scarce in Richmond. I shall report the results of the first movement.

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