Robt. M. West to Isaac J. Wistar, October 23, 1863

Brig. Gen. I. J. Wistar, Commanding Forces:

GENERAL: Upon the occasion of passing Mrs. Lee out of the lines yesterday, I deemed it expedient to send out a scouting party in advance, as far as the Nine-Mile Ordinary. This I did, because upon a former occasion, I sent a small party out, and afterward heard that if we did the same thing again ihe expedition would come to grief. They said of us that we were too cowardly to come out upon any other occasion than when ladies accompanied us. It was well that I sent a good strong party, 1 officer and 50 men, for they were set upon going out by guerrillas, and returning they were drawn into an ambush by a party, how strong it was not known, at Six-Mile Ordinary. A considerable volley was delivered into the flank of the column as it was moving along the road. Telegraph wire had been stretched across the road to trip their horses as they returned. No one was hurt, which all parties agree in representing as miraculous.

I should like extremely well to make a dash to-morrow morning up the road with some cavalry and infantry, say about 100 of each, not to go beyond the Nine-Mile Ordinary, and see if these fellows cannot be made to pay a little for their audacity. Will you please allow me to do so?

The captain who commanded the party yesterday had orders to go as far as Nine-Mile Ordinary, but not beyond; to gain all the information he could; if he saw a good chance to make a dash to do so, but avoid an ambush, to be very carefulon the latter point. He did not disobey any order, but I think he might have done better. He was also ordered to bring back in safety a buggy and cart driven by two negroes, which went out with Mrs. Lee; this he did.

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