1862 August 17 Petersburg, Va.

                 Petersburg, Aug 17/62

General
                  I telegraphed last night
to General Lee at Gordonsville and
to General Smith at Richmond that
every thing indicates a total evacuation
of Berkley.  No Answer has been
received and I fear they have
not received the telegraphic dispatch.
The operator here can not be found
and a deserter just reports a
total evacuation.  If you can
telegraph to General Lee and Smith
please do so, Simply saying
that every thing indicates a total
evacuation at Berkley
                        Yours truly
                    (Signed)  D H Hill
                               Maj Genl

General J. G Martin
Drewry's Bluff

MSS 38-348