S. Phillips Lee to John G. Foster, October 3, 1863

Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster, U. S. Army,

GENERAL: It was not until you were on board this afternoon that I was fully aware of the number of gunboats necessary to co-operate with the movements of the troops from Yorktown into Matthews and Gloucester Counties, to entrap the rebels, who, with several boats (moved on wheels), have twice recently issued from those counties and committed depredations on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It was then understood between us that the troops would march from Yorktown to-morrow morning, and that the navy gunboats should rendezvous at Yorktown to-morrow, and leave there the next morning, some to go as high up the North and East Rivers as practicable, to co-operate with the troops, and others to prevent the escape of the rebels by the bay side or the Piankatank.

At 10 o’clock to-night I received your notification that the troops and gunboats ay, and those of the navy on that part of the hice ade) had left Yorktown. I immediately dispatched two additional light-draught gunboats to the scene of operations, to assist Lieutenant-Commander Gillis.

I respectfully request that in future the plan of joint operations within the limits of our commands shall, when practicable, be fully and timely arranged between you and myself. In the Sounds of North Carolina emergencies may arise requiring immediate action from the senior army and navy officers present.

I have the honor to be, general, respectfully, yours,