Re Ho: Gg Minty to Captain Otis, August 21, 1863
Captain OTIis,
Sir: I arrived at this place at 9 this a. m., and immediately sent scouts to Blythe’s Ferry and Washington. The scouts to WashingCap, XLIL.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.— UNION.
ton drove a force of 150 rebels before them from this place across the Tennessee River below Washington.
The scouts to Blythe’s Ferry found the enemy (two Mississippi regiments, under Colonel Lowrey) busy throwing up intrenchments across the river, which is from 700 to 800 yards wide at that point. On my men leaving the river bank they were fired on and one of the Fourth Regulars severely wounded. There is no artillery at the ferry, but it is expected daily.
My rations run out in the morning. I must depend upon you to supply me. Forage is not so plentiful as you appeared to think. There is very little corn to be had. The position More is not good. I must keep possession of the brow of the mountain. Fifty men ought to be able to prevent a division from ascending.
respectfully, your obedient servant,
Colonel, Commanding Cavalry.
When sending supplies I wish you would send as many of my men
as possible. Major Gray, Fourth Michigan, is in command of the
Hpagrs. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS,