To Genl. P. St. G. Cocke
Commanding
Sir
I had the honor to receive your letter of
the 11th inst. on the 12th and have attempted to
answer it but have thus far failed in consequence
of the pressure of business.
I have to regret my inability to send Capt
Walker's Battery of Rifled guns to Dumfries, as
that is the only battery I have, and that not yet
supplied with horses, or prepared for the field
in any respect.
On the 14th inst. I was obliged to take this
batery to Acquia Creek landing, for the protec-
tion of the "avenue of approach" to this city--
I have been obliged to make the same dis-
position of most of my available forces, so that
I am unable to send out of my district unless I
make a requisition for more force, especially as
I shall soon be obliged to send Col. Carey and his
command back to Richmond.
The day before receiving your instructions
I had sent Captain Thornton, with his company
of Prince William Cavalry, back to his county
with orders to report to Col. Terrett, so that he
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was then available. Under the circumstances
I trust that you will hold me exonerated for
and especially as orders were issued of the same
date with your letter making very material chan-
ges along the whole line
I shall endeavor to keep up communi-
-cation with you and Col. Terrett respecting
every material event coming to my knowledge
Very Respectfully
Your mo. Obt Svt
Daniel Ruggles
Colonel Prov. Army
Commanding Forces
Daniel Ruggles, a veteran of the Seminole and Mexican wars resigned from the U.S. Army on May 1, 1861, to take up a Virginia command. In August he was sent to the western theater and led a division under Bragg. Ulysses Grant thought little of his abilities purportedly once remarking "If Ruggles is in command...now is the time to attack." After 1862 he was assigned administrative positions ending as commissary general of prisoners. Resided in Fredericksburg, Va., after the war until his death in 1897.
MSS 640
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