Letter

Seth Williams to H. C. Rodgers, March 11, 1863

DUMFRIES

Lieut. Col. H. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant-General :

Twenty cavalry are to patrol the road from here to Occoquan, on the Telegraph read, every six hours. I considered it my duty to inform you that all the cavalry on my right had been removed, leaving the country open. Nothing but infantry in that direction, as far as I can learn.

CHAS. CANDY, Colonel, Commanding Post.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, V. A., March 11, 1863. Commanding Officer, Fifth Corps:

Information received through one of our scouts speaks of an intended raid by the enemy toward Potomac Bridge for its destruction. You are informed thereof, to insure vigilance and care on the part of your reserves and pickets. It may be deemed prudent, if the definite information necessary can be obtained, to withdraw the picket-line temporarily, and conceal General Sykes’ troops and camps for the purpose of permitting the approach of the enemy to the vicinity of the bridge. You will be prepared to meet such an order, if occasion should require it.

Very respectfully, &c.,

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Editor's Notes
From: Operations in N. Virginia, W. Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Pt. 1. Location: DUMFRIES. Summary: S. Williams warns H. C. Rodgers of a potential enemy raid targeting Potomac Bridge, advising increased vigilance, possible picket withdrawal, and concealment of troops to prepare for defense.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 25, Part 1 View original source ↗