S. P. Spear to C. H. Portsr, August 25, 1863

Capt. C. H. Portsr, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington:

The first information I received about the capture of horses from the Thirteenth New York Cavalry was from Lieut. Col. H. H. Wells, provost marshal in Alexandria, at 4 p. m. yesterday. He telegraphed me that Captain Gillingham, Thirteenth New York Cavalry, was attacked 24 miles beyond Annandale by about 100. Confederates. who captured 100 horses from him about 2 o’clock. IT immediately communicated this intelligence to Colonel Lowell, who at once started out in the direction of Aldie, with two or three hundred cavalry, hoping to intercept the marauders. I have not yet heard the result of the expedition.

A sutler, who came into our lines last evening and was present

nar. XLI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

when the attack was made, told me that the enemy was about 200 strong; that they represented themselves to be part of Stuart’s cavalry, and that 2 of our men were killed and 5 wounded in the skirmish. The sutler’s horses were taken by the rebels, but his wagon and goods were left untouched. I did not report the affair to headquarters, supposing that Colonel Lowell, to whose command the escort and horses belonged, would do so. RUFUS KING, Brigadier-General.

Fort Monroe, V. A., August 25, 1863—10 p. m. (Received 10.15 p. m.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HAuueck, General-in-Chief:

I do not like to ask for troops at this time, when both the Army of the Potomac and Charleston need all the men, but I have received information, which is quite reliable, to the effect that a force is now collecting to attack the line outside of Portsmouth. I can only bring one weak brigade from North Carolina, and even that ought not perhaps to be brought away. Can you not send me the Kighth New York and Thirty-fourth Massachusetts, now at Harper’s Ferry? If so, please send them at once. I should be under no apprehension if the lines of intrenchments were completed, which they are not, and therefore feel obliged to be ee . Please answer if you can

give me the two regiments asked for at once. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General.

SUFFOLK, V. A., August 25, 1863—11 a. m. General GETTY: .

The detachment reported as not returned last report, has returned all right.

Left Suffolk on the Providence Church road; thence via Windsor to Zuni; found picket on the opposite bank of the Blackwater ; returned by circuitous route.

The cavalry I reported as Claiborne’s at Ivor Station turns out to be Baker’s. ;

Total strength on Blackwater: Griffin’s cavalry (one regiment), and two regiments of infantry at or near Franklin; Baker’s cavalry and one regiment of infantry at or near Ivor. All on this side of the Blackwater agree in this statement (contrabands, females, &c.).

I have just received information, which I believe to be reliable, as it comes from a source that has previously given me information which invariably proved to be correct, that a force.is now collecting near Ivor Station, 3 miles beyond Zuni, to march to Bowers’ Hill; informant says “‘ large force infantry and artillery.” I give it in the exact words I received it a few moments ago. ;

The Blackwater is very low, but the Nansemond River is lower than usual. Captain Lee, with gunboat Flora Temple, could not get higher up than Sleepy Hole. e left night before last, sent u y General Naglee, with three ladies to go to Wilmington, N. passed them out. They did not know my strength.

I think a gunboat should patrol the Nansemond River, as the enemy knowing my position could cross the river below Suffolk—it being very 1 endl cut me off or put me to muchinconvenience. Every point is guarded; I have drawn back my main body this side of J enone Canal. The town is thoroughly patrolled and every avenue well guarded. Couriers are saddled ready to convey any intelligence to your headquarters. My rear is now all I fear between here and Hargrove’s half-way house. I have one day’s rations and forage after to-day. I am, general, with high respect,

your obedient servant,