Dear Colonel,

I shall do my utmost to comply with yours and Col. [William] Thompson's request, respecting the residue of his regiment, no passage over, unless you can send some boats in the morning. I wish the situation of the bridge may not be fatal to us, as we must assist each other. Let Mr. [Ferdinand] De Brahm² be early to work there, as it must be defensible. Does not the movement of the enemy towards Dewees' look like an intention to use one of the creeks towards Haddrell's, probably Bolton's landing? I expect Gen. Lee early here tomorrow. Dear Col. be vigilant, keep your troops alert; I see no reason why you may not also reinforce Col. Thompson; nay, if they appear indeed to land on Sullivan's it must be done, and the point at the island where they may best land, prudently and vigorously defended at all events. Let the Col. know this.

May Heaven attend you all