Owen Jones to George D. Bayard, May 14, 1862

May 14, 1862. Sir: I have the honor to report that on the evening of yesterday (May 13) heavy firing was heard at my camp from the line of my pickets on the Rappahannock. I soon learned that it proceeded from a party of the enemy, and was directed at a vessel in charge of the First New Jersey Cavalry. I at once ordered the carbineers of my command

32 RB R—VOL XII to proceed to the river bank, and found the vessel was fastened to the north bank of the river and in charge of our pickets. I ordered_my men to be placed in position to cover the removal of 2 men of the First New Jersey Cavalry that were on board of her and had been badly wounded by the fire of the enemy, giving orders not to fire unless first fired upon. After the first and just as the second wounded man was being removed from the vessel a heavy fire was opened upon her by the enemy. It was instantly replied to by a heavy and well-sustained fire from my men posted along the river bank. As soon as the enemy’s fire ceased the order to cease firing was given, and the remaining man was removed to a place of safety.

It gives me great pleasure to state that in the affair none of my men were hurt, and that the officers and men displayed the utmost promptitude, bravery, and coolness.

Very respectfully,