FORT MAGRUDER, May [7], 1864.
Capt. A. F. PUFFER, Aide-de-Camp:
I tried the Chickahominy yesterday at Jones Bridge after a sharp skirmish, during which a party of dismounted colored cavalry crossed above the bridge and captured the enemys camp. The position was seized; the bridge was found to be entirely destroyed and no timber near to rebuild it with. The ford has been arranged so as to have sides almost perpendicular, and is very deepover a horses head. The men, from want of experience, lost most of their forage. I did not hear any guns on James River; therefore thought the army could not have gone up. Finally concluded to return, get more provisions and forage, go back quickly and better prepared to repair the crossing. This I will do, unless otherwise directed, and effect a junction with the general. The colored cavalry behaved splendidly. I do not want any better troops.
R. M. WEST,
Colonel, &c.
-The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 36 (Part II)
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