Thomas Morton to C. W. Hi, July 20, 1861

Sm: On Saturday, July 13, at 11 o’clock a. m., I received your order directing me to withdraw such of the forces under my command as I might deem prudent from the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad between Benwood and Grafton, and join you at Oakland, Md. Accordingly I dispatched Major Lamison over the line of said road, with instructions to withdraw from said line Companies A, F, I, and K, and proceed with them to such point as he might learn I would occupy, unless otherwise instructed. On the afternoon of same day I proceeded, with a detachment of one company of the Virginia First, Captain Britt; one company of the Virginia Second; two pieces of artillery, under Captain Daum; and Companies B and E, of the Twentieth Regiment O. V. M., to Oakland, at which place I arrived at 10 o’clock p. m. of said day. Owing to a want of the means of transportation, I was delayed at Oakland until 10 o’clock on Sunday morning, when I marched forward to the Red House, at which point I arrived at 2 o’clock p. m., and thence proceeded in pursuit of the rebel forces over the Northwestern turnpike, until I met you with your forces returning. While at the Red House, Major Lamison arrived with the forces under his command, hay_ing made a most orderly and rapid march, for the particulars of which

I refer you to his report, a copy of which I herewith transmit. The

officers and men under my command conducted themselves in the most

soldierlike manner, and to their hearty co-operation and energy I am – indebted for the promptness with which they appeared at the points intended to be occupied. All of which is

respectfully submitted.