Ss. P. Spear to George W. Getty, August 30, 1863
General GETTY:
I received your dispatch of last evening at 9p.m. I send my wagons for five days’ forage and rations. Also send for proper papers, data, &c., for completing muster-rolls. I returned at 3.30 this morning. Nothing new. Cannot coax Griffin or Baker to cross the Blackwater. Same force as last reported.
I send a deserter named John H. Crawford, Eleventh North Carolina Battalion, and_a captive, Richard Rhoades, Company L, Sixty-second Regiment Georgia Cavalry (Colonel Griffin’s). I have examined both and obtained nothing definite.
I think the order for remaining here a good one, and should have recommended it this morning had it not been received; as I believe the moment I left the crossing would commence, at least it appears so from the present force now there ” for some purpose.”
Animals improving. Men in good health and spirits. I start again to-night in direction of B. W. [the Blackwater]. Will keep you well informed of anything new.
I am, general, with high respect,
your obedient servant,
Colonel, Commanding Expedition.
SPECIAL ORDERS, t Hopagrs. U.S. Troops rn City anD HARBOR,
No. 41. New York, August 30, 1863.
Ill. Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Ruger, commanding Second Brigade,
will order the Third and Fifth Regiments Michigan Volunteers (the
-former now at No. 41 Chambers street, the latter on Governor's