N. Wilkinson to Benjamin F. Kelley, May 6, 1864

General B. F. KELLEY: Both telegrams received. Had country toward Burlington and Ridgeville scouted. No enemy found. Porter headed off McNeill at Oakland Junction and Northwest Grade, and the rebels then took round the Junction and blockaded. A force was sent from Petersburg to prevent their exit. They left the roads and paths and passed along the mountains, through the woods, moving for Reels’ Gap, ten miles south of Petersburg, and escaped. I have detachments from Petersburg at Doll’s Gap, and others from here above and below that gap to intercept should he have been compelled to cross the wa he came. No enemy is known between here and Greenland, and propose starting the train to-morrow morning, but will not do so until I again hear from you. Wil! make upstatement of forces and send by to-morrow’s train.

N. WILKINSON,