Joseph Hooker to S. Williams, November 12, 1861
HEADQUARTERS HOOKERâS DIVISION,
Camp Baker, Lower Potomac, Md., November 12, 1861.
GENERAL:
It was reported to me that the rebels were planting a battery at Boydâs Hole, which threatened to be of some annoyance to the portion of the flotilla under Captain Harrell, at present lying.off Smithâs Point. Accordingly I proceeded to that point for the purpose of making an examination of that vicinity, with a view, if deemed expedient, of attacking and destroying it. The battery in question is a field one, perfectly harmless as it is, and probably displayed for no other purpose than to have an effect upon the flotilla. They appear to be the guns of a single company, without supports. I could have embarked a regiment 3 miles below Port Tobacco and landed them a short distance above the batteries without the use of lighters. The supply steamer Baltimore, now with the flotilla, is well adapted for this service. I have abandoned the idea of attacking it, for the reason that the battery can be moved to the rear faster than infantry can follow it.
I inclose herewith the report of Colone! Graham [No. 3] of his descent on Mathias Point, as it contains reliable information of the condition of that much-talked-of point. The expedition was projected without my
authority or even knowledge. Asit appears to have had no unfortunate sequence so far as I have learned I shall not censure him, but in future no operations will be projected without my sanction; otherwise my command may be dishonored before I know it.
The operator informs me that the wires are in good working condition.
The balloon made several ascensions to-day, but so far removed from the enemyâs works as to be of little or no service to us. It will be transferred to a point near Budd’s Ferry to-morrow, and then probably to a locality still farther south. j
The rebels in considerable force appeared to be busily at work during
the day nearly across from Sandy Point in the establishment of new
On board of what is called the ice-boat of the flotilla is a rifled gun of the largest class, perhaps a 60-pounder. Its weight is five tons, and is of no use, I learn, where she is, the steamer being unserviceable. I think it might be dumped overboard and hauled ashore at some suitable landing, and thence, by the truck used for that purpose, delivered at the work which Captain Williamson is constructing. I am informed that it is a good weapon. Its range is enormous, but for some cause up to this time its shells have not exploded. If guns are to be mounted in the work Captain Williamson is engaged on, in my opinion this should be one of them.
The houses burned by Colonel Graham had been made use of by the rebels for military. purposes.
Prisoner Dent requires especial attention.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E
Brigadier- General, Commanding Division.
Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS,
Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac.
No. 2.
Report of Brig. Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, U. S. Army.