P. H. Watson to Edwin M. Stanton, May 30, 1862

May 30, 1862. Colonel Latham, with a detachment of the Second Virginia, and a company of Connecticut Cavalry, under Captain Fish, who were sent to Saver’s River, surprised and routed a gang of guerrillas at that place, killing their captain and 3 men, wounding several others, and capturing and destroying more than thirty guns. J. O. C. FREMONT, Major-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON. Washington, May 30, 1862—9.30 p. m. Major-General FREMONT, Moorefield: FR I send you a dispatch just received from General Saxton, at Harper’s erry: HaRpeEr’s FERRY, 30th. (Received 6 p. m.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The rebels are in line of battle in front of our lines. They have nine pieces of artillery in position and cavalry. I shelled the woods in which they were, and the in return threw a large number of shells into the lines and tents from which I moved last night to take up a stronger position. I cxpect a great deal from the battery on the mountain, having here nine 9-inch Dahlgren’s bearing directly on the enemy’s approaches. The enemy appeared this morning, and then retired with the intention of driving us out. I shall act on the defensive, as my position is a strong one. Ina skirmish which took place this afternoon I lost 1 horse; the enemy 2 men killed and some wounded. R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General. It seems the game is before you. Have sent a copy to General McDowell. Washington, May 31, 1862—1 a. m. Major-General Fremont, Moorefield, Va.: Major-General MCDOWELL, Rectortown, Va.: f have just returned from Harper’s Ferry. The enemy has been before that place and threatening an attack for two days. Deserters report that Jackson is in’command, and that in a speech made to his men in Charlestown on Wednesday morning he promised them less marching and better fare in a few days, when they would enter Maryland. It is supposed that the attack on Harper’s Ferry has been delayed by an apprehension of the advance of your force to cut off ‘ retreat. When do you expect to reach Winchester? Where is Shields?

P. H. WATSON,