Joseph E. Johnston to George B. Cosby, July 29, 1861

Maj. G. B. CosBy,, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. Army of Yorktown :

Masor: I have the honor to report that I returned to this post this morning, and ordered the troops under my command to their respective stations, retaining here one 12-pounder howitzer, as instructed.

I should have reported from the Half-way House rumors of the evacu_ ation of Hampton, but that Captain Bryan, who went down to Hampton _ with a flag of truce, had not returned, and I waited his return for ~ i authentic information. Captain Bryan returned late last evening, havf a bh, +41

~~ bp = ” 4 – + > > ae : > See ee = Se eae ing been detained by the necessity of visiting Newport News. In addi- ~

tion to clothing for the officers, directed by the general, he bought clothing for other oflicers, prisoners of war. They were all forwarded to Yorktown. Captain Bryan reports that he found no pickets outside of the outworks at Hampton, where he was met by Captain Butler, nephew and aide to General Butler. He found the town on fire, but efforts being made by the U.S. troops to extinguish it with fire-engines. He was informed by Captain Butler that the fire was caused by drunken and disorderly soldiers. From all he could learn he was satisfied that there was still a force, though small, in Hampton. Captain Bryan was received with courtesy both at Hampton and Newport News.

I have also to report that, in addition to those previously sent off, I had five wagons (company wagons) loaded with sick. A report was received to-day, by an outer picket, from a Mr. House, in Hampton, through Mr. Kelley, overseer of Mr. Dennis, that there were no troops in Hampton, no encampment between Old Point and Hampton, and only one regiment at Newport News. I have also the honor to report that Col. C. K. Mallory, One hundred and fifteenth Regiment of Militia, informs me that the steamer which burnt the vessels in Back River was certainly piloted, and one person is strongly suspected. I have instructed the colonel to have the party arrested, as also all other persons in Fox Hill who have been passing about under the protection of the Federal Government. I would also report that a volunteer scout, headed by Private W. Causey, comprising six Old Dominion Dragoons, reported having fired upon a party of the enemy on the Slater’s Creek road, near Newport News, and under the telegraph, killing and wounding several. Captain Bryan reports that from reliable parties near Hampton he learned that the man killed was an officer.

very respectfully,