Samuel G. French to Samuel Cooper, December 17, 1861
Sir: I have not deemed it necessary to report to you the actions of . the enemy in front of us. For the last three weeks they have daily
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470. OPERATIONS IN MD., N. VA., AND W. VA. (Oma XIV. —
opened more or less fire on us from small rifled guns in position on the . Maryland shore. di
On Sunday last 2 men were severely wounded by a shell, and to-day 2 more were slightly wounded. Eighty-three shells were thrown at the battery to-day. Under this fire teams cannot safely cross the plain tothe batteries, and much labor has to be done at night. We could easily silence their fire, but have not ammunition to spare. .A battery of light rifled pieces could be advantageously used in replying to them, if necessary. One charge of a heavy gun would make ten or twelve for the latter, and spare powder to a great extent. Iam nearly destitute of transportation.
Very respectfuliy,
your obedient servant, ^. .
Brigadier-General, Commanding. —
General S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.
Extract from " Record of Events) return of the Department of Western.
Virginia, for the month of December, 1861. On the 15th, Ool. George Crook, Thirty-sixth Ohio, detached Maj. E. B..
Andrews, same regiment, who, with 150 men, proceeded by the Wilderness road to Meadow Bluff; found the rebel encampment there deserted ; burned 110 well-built log huts, some tents, &e.; captured two