Robert H. Milroy to D. Mom. Gregg, February 20, 1863

Brig. Gen. D. MoM. GREGG, Commanding Third Cavalry Division :

GENERAL: Yesterday morning Captain Mitchell, of the Harris Light Cavalry, stationed near Port Conway, discovered that the rebels were placing into a large flat-boat (with a log-cabin on it capable of holding 100 men) sacks and muskets, and that a large number were at work about there—some 60 in all. Fearing that an attempt might be made to cross, I strengthened my line of pickets at that point. I am satisfied now that the enemy are but on a foraging expedition down the river. Should this be true, a trusty scout will keep me advised of their movements, and if they land near my outer pickets, they shall not return. At this hour all is quiet.

There is in a house near the dock at Port Conway large quantities of wheat and corn; it may be possible that an attempt may be made to carry it off, but the attempt shall fail if made. Very respectfull fee? ch J. KILPATRICK, Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

WINCHESTER, V. A., February 20, 1863.

DEAR Sie: Yours of the 16th instant, but postmarked 18th, reached me last evening, and I hasten to reply. Inclosed you will find a statement showing what batteries, regiments, and detachments compose my command, by which it will be seen that I have under my immediate command at this place two 6 gun batteries of 10-pounders (one battery being Parrott guns, and the other regulation guns), six regiments of infantry, two cavalry regiments, less one company, besides two detached companies of cavalry. These aggregate for duty as follows: Artillery, 245; infantry, 3,984; cavalry, 1,306. That portion of my command left behind under Col. James Washburn, and now at Romney, consists of two regiments of infantry, aggregating for duty 1,385 men, and one detached company of cavalry, 60 strong.

I understand that there are at Romney some five or six other companies of Pennsylvania cavalry, of the Ringgold Battalion, and a full battery.

While at New Creek, I reorganized my division into two brigades, the First Brigade to consist of the Eighty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, the Ninth, Tenth, and Twelfth Regiments Virginia Infantry, and Battery B, First Virginia Artillery, which is still its organization. This brigade was for a time under command of Brigadier-General Cluseret, but since the 12th ultimo has been under the command of Col. George Hay, of the Eighty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania. He is a most ardent patriot, a highly honorable gentleman, and an excellent officer.

The Second Brigade consisted of the One hundred and tenth, One hundred and sixteenth, One hundred and twenty-second, and One hundred and twenty-third Regiments Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Battery D, First [West] Virginia Artillery, and was commanded by Col. James Washburn, of the One hundred and sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He is a good officer.

Colonel Washburn is left behind at Romney with only two regiments of his brigade, to wit, the One hundred and sixteenth and One hundred and twenty third Obio Volunteer Infantry, and Company E, Third West] Virginia Cavalry. The other half of his brigade, to wit, the One hundred and tenth and One hundred and twenty-second Regiments Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Battery D, First [West] Virginia Artillery, are here, under the temporary command of Col. J. W. Keifer, of the One hundred and tenth Regiment, who is also a most excellent officer. The two brigades of my command, as originally organized, was, I think, the best disposition that could be made of these eight regiments.

I should be much pleased, if the good of the service would permit, to get back the two regiments I left west of the mountains, as they are two of my old veteran regiments that went through Virginia with me last year, and participated in all the battles under Frémont and Pope.

If General Roberts is assigned to me, I would like to have him take command of my Second Brigade, if it can be gotten together, as it is the strongest in numbers.

You are informed as to the composition and strength of the forces under the rebel General Junes, in my front. That force, as I am reliably informed, has recently been re-enforced by the forces under General Imboden, consisting of one battery, about 1,200 cavalry, and about I am, general,

with great respect, your obedient servant,