Re Henry H. Lockwood to Abraham Lincoln, November 16, 1861

GENERAL:

I this morning sent Captain Knight with a flag of truce to the headquarters of the rebel force below. I inclose his letter from Temperanceville, a place 10 miles below the line. From this you will see that the enemy has probably dispersed, certainly fallen back to Eastville. I am the more confirmed in the former opinion from the statement of a Mr. Dickinson, whom I sent down yesterday to distribute proclamations, and who returned an hour ago from the battery gone home, and that the general sentiment is to return to the Union. I = deem the news of sufficient importance to justify the expense of an extra train. I have therefore requested Lieutenant Dix to go to Baltimore as bearer of this gratifying intelligence, which I have no doubt will make glad your heart, as it must that of every true patriot.

I shall send two regiments and the battery and cavalry as far as New Church to-morrow at an early hour. I would move down at once with the whole command if the wagons had arrived. New Church is 8 or 10 – miles below. If Captain Knights news is confirmed, on his return I will move them as far as Drummondtown. I am decidedly of the opinion that this dispersion of the enemy should not deter or prevent us from marching our whole force through the territory as far as Eastville. 28 R R—VOL V £ GIO. TN

IR E E ae A, hex, ONE ur, TAN Ss oe ee Pg A lin gi ke oy

Sore

I, however, await your orders in this respect. Troops may be sent to Baltimore more conveniently from Drummondtown than from this place. I am, general, very truly,

your obedient servant,