R. O. Johnston to George B. Cosby, July 25, 1861

Magor: I have the honor to report that I returned to this point yesterday, after occupying Bethel for a few hours, the Messex picket haying reported that the enemy had landed in force from nine barges in their vicinity. . These barges were towed. by two armed steam-tugs under way at this point. I was informed that a detachment of the enemy’s forces were occupying a position almost two miles from their boats. Judging them ‘to be in large force, and thinking that perhaps the movement might be a combined one with a party from Newport News or Hampton, I established my headquarters at this point and ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Cumming to join me here, and detached LieutenantColonel Hood, with two guns, a squadron of cavalry, and Colonel Rightor’s battalion, and five companies of Colonel Cumming’s regiment, under Captain Hardee, to look out [for] this party.

Colonel Hood returned this morning. He found that the enemy had burnt a number of vessels and towed out others, one known to be the property of Mr. Booker, which was loaded with Mr. Booker’s effects and was to have dropped down the river last night. The enemy left before dark, and had succeeded in getting out of the river, except one steamtug, which got aground before dusk: and was detained until the high tide, but got out before he could fire on it.

I strengthened my picket at Messex Point and established one near New Market Bridge.: This picket was not permitted to take its position. It was driven beyond its horses by a strong picket of the enemy, but returned at 12 o’clock and brought off its horses, which had not been discovered by the enemy.

Owing to the fatigue my soldiers had undergone and the difficulties occasioned by the quartermaster’s and commissary departments, I have remained in camp here during the day with my infantry and artillery, the cavalry being at Bartlett’s to obtain forage. I expect to occupy Bethel, where I shall endeavor to secure the negroes in the lower part of the peninsula and to carry out your instructions in relation to this

Ae *. ‘i \ position. When this is completed, unless otherwise directed, I expect to occupy Harrod’s and Young’s Mills, from which points I can best with safety operate against marauding parties. Iam, major,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,