Unknown, July 3, 1862

Captain Reno has just returned from a reconnaissance on the Charles

City road. He went about 14 miles from the mill, near General Keyes’ headquarters, where he found theenemy. They had two guns in position on the right of the road, and were firing across the creek in the direction of Kearny’s camp. This battery was supported by a force of cavalry and infantry. He could not see many men, and thinks the force was a small one. Some of the shells went over the woods and fell in this field several hundred yards beyond the road. Captain Reno’s party was near their cavalry. He thinks they had but one squadron.

Very respectfully, 5 MERRIE te