Headquarters Department of Fredericksburg,
Fredericksburg, Va., June 2, 1861.
Sir: I have the honor to state, for the information of the commanding general, that four of the enemy’s armed steamers commenced firing on our batteries at Aquia Creek yesterday morning, at about 9 o’clock, and continued until about 4 p.m. On our side nobody was hurt and no material damage was done to our batteries. The enemy gave no indications of an intention to land, but hauled off to the Maryland shore at the close of the action. This demonstration, thus persevered in, is made, I doubt not, in view of collateral action and movements. I arrived on the field about midday, and returned to this place at night. The batteries were commanded by Captain Lynch and other naval officers. The conduct of my entire force, under the command of Colonel Bate, of the Walker Legion, until my arrival on the field, was admirable throughout the day. The enemy is represented to have thrown five hundred and ninety-seven shots and shells, and our battery, under Captain Lynch, seventy-five.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DANIEL RUGGLES,
Colonel, Provisional Army, Commanding Forces.
Col. R. S. Garnett, Adjutant-General Virginia Forces.
P. S.—The colors were cut away from one of the enemy’s ships by a shot from our battery.
D. RUGGLES,
Colonel, Commanding.