Escape!- Swimming the Chickahominy

                                     FEBRUARY 15, 1864.

Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff:

Cavalry returned to Williamsburg with 9 more escaped officers. A fresh detachment has gone out.

                                      I.J. WISTAR,
                                        Brigadier-General.







                                     FEBRUARY 15, 1864.

Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff:

I should have explained that refugees and escaped prisoners, knowing of the pickets at all the upper fords and bridges, almost invariably come down parallel with Charles City road, in hopes of finding boats on lower Chickahominy. After crossing it they are pretty safe, but boats are purposely removed by the enemy and only to be had at few points. The refugees and negroes generally cross by swimming. Seventeen leave here by boat to-morrow, including 6 field officers.

                                       I.J. WISTAR,
                                         Brigadier-General.