R. S. Williamson to R. B. Marcy, November 13, 1861

CAMP NEAR HEADQUARTERS HOOKER/S DIVISION,
November 13, 1861.

: November 13, 1861. :

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on the day before yesterday I commenced an embankment for a battery of four heavy guns at the river bank, about one-third of à mile below the ferry-house, at Budd’s Ferry. The point selected is about 20 feet above the water, and directly opposite to the two rebel batteries at Evansport and Shipping Point. The soil is loose sand, and the interior slope will be revetted with poles about 4 inches in diameter. The work will require from six to eight working days. I respectfully request you will inform me what kind of guns are intended for this work—whether it is to be for mortars or guns, and if the latter, whether I shall place them in barbette or embrasure. If the latter, the fire will be directed only upon the two _ batteries aforesaid, but the same work can be continued: at an angle of . 37° with this, making a wide-mouthed redan, the second face giving a fire with four more guns upon the battery at the mouth of Chopawamsie Creek, a mile and half below, where the rebels have a few heavy guns. If the guns are to be in barbette, they can be directed upon both the

two upper and the lower batteries.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Captain, U. S. Topographical Engineers.
Brig. Gen. R. B. MARCY, :
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac, Washington, D. C.
OCTOBER 23-27, 1861.— Confederate reconnaissance in the Kanawha Valley
: West Virginia.
Report of Col. J. N. Clarkson, C. S. Army.
In obedience to your orders 1 have reconnoitered the valley of the