On the 24th I reconnoitre’d the Enemys Fleet when they lay opposite Westover and consisted of Thirteen Topsail Vessels and 23 flat bottom’d boats. I judged their numbers to be about 2500 which corresponded with the information received soon after, from a Serjeant deserter who said there were 3,000. The Fleet of the Enemy soon came to sail and stood up the River toward City point, which kept me still in Suspence on which side they would debark,1 I therefore ordered the Militia under the Command of General Muhlenberg to move up as high as the vicinity of Blandford and that Evening the Enemy landed their whole force at City point, which fully evinced that their first Object was Petersburg2—being Obliged to send large detachments to the neck of land—between James and Appamatox Rivers—I had not more than One thousand Men left to oppose the Enemys advance—In this critical situation, there were many reasons against risking a total defeat, the loss of Arms was a principle one, and on the other hand, to retire without some show of resistance, would have intimidated the Inhabitance and encouraged the Enemy to further incursions, this last consideration determined me to defend the place as far as our inferiority of numbers would permit—I made choice of Blandford for the plan of Defense and the Bridge of Pocohuntas for our retreat, the Troops were dispos’d accordingly and past the Night under Arms.3

The morning of the 25th I was inform’d that the Enemy were within three miles of our advanced post and that Eleven flat bottom’d boats were at the same time moving up Appamattox River Towards Noon they came in Sight—form’d and display’d to their left, but it was near 3 o’Clock before the firing commenc’d, which continued from post to posts ’till past five, when the Superiour number of the Enemy and a want of Ammunition Obliged me to order a Retreat and the Bridge to be taken up which was executed in the greatest Order, notwithstanding the fire of the Enemys Cannon & Musketry—the troops with the same good order retreated to this place where they are just incamp’d.

I am not yet able to ascertain our loss, but believe it not great—I do not think the Enemy took a Single prisoner—the Enemys loss I can form no judgment of.

General Muhlenburg merits my particular acknowledgements for the good disposition he made and the great Gallantry with which he Excecuted it—Indeed the Gallant conduct of all the Officers and the particular good behaviour of the Men must I am persuaded attract the admiration of the Enemy.

I have the pleasure to say, that our Troops disputed the ground with the Enemy Inch by Inch & executed their Manoeuvres with great exactness.4

General Weedons Brigade is posted on both sides James River at Osborns.

With General Muhlenburgs Brigade I shall March Six miles above Chesterfd Co. Ho. in which position I shall be able to cover Richmond to form a j⟨unction⟩ with the Marquis or with General Weedon a⟨ccordin⟩g to circumstances.5 with great esteem & respect I am Dear General Your Very humble servt