P. Pease to H. C. Hemenway, August 14, 1863

Lieut. H. C. Hemenway, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: Sir: I have the honor to make the following report : On the afternoon of the 13th, while my patrol, consisting of Captain Krughoff and 6 men, were returning from White’s Station, they were fired into by a squad of guerrillas near Ridgeway Station, at a distance of 10 yards. The guerrillas were secreted behind a fence closely covered by briers thickly grown around. There were wounded by this fire, Captain Alexander, Company I, who received three bullets ; Captain Berz, Company E, bone fractured just below the knee; William Meiersieck, Company C, in three places, probably mortally ; Frederick Roettger, slightly, and a citizen of La Fayette County, who happened to be with them. Captain Alexander, after haying fallen and surrendered, was again shot and immediately killed by the guerrillas. Captain Krughoff and the balance of his men escaped. Captain Alexander has, with his company, for the past month been stationed at White’s Station and was relieved by Company K on the 12thinstant. He(Captain A.) was permitted to go to White’s Station with the patrol for the purpose of getting a horse which he had receipted for, for the purposeof communicating with these headquarters while stationed at White’s Station. Captain Berrey, wishing to see Captain Laur, who is at present stationed at White’s Station, was permitted to go with the patrol. On receiving information I immediately sent out Lieutenant Sondag, in command of 40 men, to intercept the guerrillas, who left immediately after having robbed those they had killed and wounded. Ialso mounted what infantry I could on mules and horses, directin them to take the Hernando road, to cut off their retreat. Colone McCrillis also mounted what scattering cavalry he had in camp, who followed them with my mounted infantry until the darkness of night caused them to return without success in capturing. This being the third time that guerrillas have committed depredations in the vicinity of Ridgeway Station, I have given the citizens living north of Nonconnah Creek, and in the vicinity of the railroad at Ridgeway Station, notice that they must guard the fords and immediately notify me of the crossing of guerrillas, in order that these depredations and murderous acts may not again be repeated. I remain, yours, truly,

P. PEASE,