Letter

Re Henry H. Lockwood to TEMPERANCEVILLE, VA., November 16, 1861, November 16, 1861

Newtown, Md., 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 4 miles below New Church. He is vouched for by Dr. MeMartins, who also vouches for those in Virginia whom he gives as authority. He — says that all agree in’ saying that the military has all dispersed and 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

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,

– Brigadier- General.

Major-General Dix, : E.

Commanding Department of Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Md.

[Inelosure. ]

TEMPERANCEVILLE, VA., November 16, 1861.

GENERAL: We have thus far had a triumphant welcome and uninterrupted march. Having passed our pickets and gone about 13 miles,

I came to the place (Beaver Dam Bridge) where the enemy’s pickets

Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Maryland, N. Virginia, W. Virginia, 1861–62. Location: Newtown, Md.. Summary: General Lockwood reports that Confederate forces near Temperanceville have likely dispersed or retreated, with local sentiment favoring Union loyalty, prompting planned Union troop movements to capitalize on this intelligence.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 5 View original source ↗