May 24, 1861—7.15 p. m.
[Col. J. B. Magruder.]
Sir: I regret to inform you that Lieutenant-Colonel Ewell was taken prisoner at Fort Monroe; under what plea I have not been able to understand. I had requested an interview with Major-General Butler (now in command ) this morning which was granted at 3.30 p.m. My main object was to ascertain how far he intended to take possession of Virginia soil in order that I might act in such a manner as to avoid collision between our scouts. I could only gather from him that it was “a military necessity” for him to occupy our land for an encampment and that he could only say that if he was not interfered with by bodies of armed troops he would molest no one. He indicated his determination to take possession of anything which he might deem necessary for his use. In accordance with these principles he has taken three of Colonel Mallory’s negroes which he has refused to give up on application. I dispatched to Colonel Ewell a detailed account of a reconnaissance which they made on yesterday to this place.
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I have the honor to remain , very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. CARY,
Major Artillery, Virginia Volunteers.