Nelson Provost to Rodgers, April 17, 1863

Colonel RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant-General : Colonel Candy informs me that of 1,027 men sent to relieve him, only

U. S. STEAMER ANACOSTIA, April 17, 1863. Lieut. Commander SAMUEL MAGAw, Commanding First Division, Potomac Flotilla :

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that, according to your instructions of the 15th instant, I proceeded up the Rappahannock River in company with the U.S. Steamer Dragon, Acting Master Hill commandaing. We arrived at Bristow Mines too late to proceed any farther with safety, and anchored. From reliable information, we found that the enemy were in strong force, and with heavy batteries from Port Tobago (4 miles above us) up to Fredericksburg; also that General Jackson commands the enemy below Fredericksburg. Three hundred of the enemy’s cavalry crossed the river above Bristow Mines on last Sunday evening, and remained two days, expecting to cut off some of our cavalry. There is a line of new intrenchments below Layton’s, and a rebel regiment of cavalry, under Colonel Crutchfield, 2 miles back. From information, I considered it prudent to drop down below Leeds during the night, as we had attracted the attention of the enemy and spread the report that we were coming in force. During our passage up the river (110 miles) and down, we did not receive any shots, although they had everything prepared to cut us off at or about Layton’s, if we had remained a few hours longer. I am convinced that squads of the enemy’s cavalry cross the river above and below Bristow Mines almost daily. From Jones’ Bluff and all the way up the river we Saw numerous army wagons. 5

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,