Patuxent River to Hocker, September 12, 1861

General HOCKER, Commanding, dc. :

GENERAL: Yesterday we proceeded down the river towards Lower Marlborough. After proceeding 5 or 6 miles and finding everything quiet I had determined to return to Upper Marlborough. I was met by a lieutenant belonging to Colonel Dwight’s regiment, of Sickles’ brigade. He showed me his instructions, which were from Colonel Dwight, directing the lieutenant to find the regiment belonging to Hooker’s brigade, and toinform the colonel commanding that regiment that he, with his command, was expected to form a junction with Colonel Dwight at Lower Marlborough. I accordingly proceeded to a spot near Lower Marlborough and encamped for the night. This morning, subsequent to sending my courier to you, I received from Colonel Dwight a dispatch, of which the following is a copy:

SEPTEMBER 12—4 p. m. Colonel COWDIN: –

COLONEL: I shall proceed towards Benedict by an easy march. I shall reach there to-morrow. At Prince Fredericktown there is a company of cavalry, and each house known to contain a member will have to be searched. I hope to see you in my vicinity, near Port Tobacco, by Saturday noon.

Very respectfully, WM. DWIGHT