1861 September 14 Monterey [Virginia]

General

I was met at Heavners this
morning at 2 o'clock by your special
order No. 120-& I have returned here
to attend to its several commands
My Regiment numbering a few
over 600 effective men, I have sent
from Heavner's to a point where
the road from this place that from
Heavner's & that from McDowell
all unite called Fork of waters
about several miles from this
place on the Petersburg road.
This step I have taken for reasons
of supply---of health--& of military
position.
There are I find at this point
not more rhan fifty available
cavalry troopers composed of
portions of Charlotte Pittsylvania
& Rockbridge troops.
Some portions of same troops
are on the line between this
& Petersburg but I have not
been able as yet to learn their

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numbers.
There were some 150 men in
Hardy near Petersburg but I learn
they have been completely scattered
& I think they need hardly be
counted as available.
There are many such here
but as yet i have not been able
to get a report of their number
& condition--It seems to me to
be a very unsuitable place
for them
There are about 27 prisoners
here in a very unsafe & un-
comfortable building requiring
a large number of men to guard
them who might I think be
better employed.
Captain Jackson informs me
that he has reported to you in
writing all the information he
has as to the movements of the
enemy at Petersburg--I have
reviewed none of them--but will
at once institute inquiries for that
purpose
Lt. Col. Flusher[?] of 162d Militia

[page 3]
Regt is sick in Eastern Virginia. I have
written to Col G. W. Hull to report to
me as I learn he is colonel of the
Regiment.
I have no means of finding out
the strength of the Pendleton militia
until I send an express there for
the purpose which I shall do
without delay.
While Ii proceed with all dispatch
to carry out your orders I think
it proper to say that my impression
is that Capt Jackson has over
estimated the emergency--& that
there is no serious reason to apprehend
an advance upon this point.
I think an advance from us
in proper form through to Hardy *
Tucker upn the N.W. Turnpike
at the B. & O. Railroad would be
the quickest mode of reducing
the fortification on Cheat Mountain
respectfully
your obt Servt
John B Baldwin
Col 52nd Va Regt

Genl H. R. Jackson
Commanding
Greenbrier River

John B. Baldwin, 1820-1873, a University of Virginia alumnus and Staunton, Va., lawyer, had been an outspoken advocate of Virginia's remaining in the Union, but when Virginia seceded he became Colonel of the 52nd Infantry until forced to resign by illness.

MSS 8474-u