“Accept, also, my own thanks for your gallantry on Sept. 29, and your good conduct since. You have won the good opinion of the whole Army of the James, and every one who knows your deeds.
“Let every officer and man, on all occasions, exert himself to increase your present deserved reputation.
“C. J. PAINE, Brigadier-General.
“(Signed) S. A. CARTER, A. A. G.
“Headquarters Tenth Army Corps, Aug. 19, 1864.
“Major-Gen. Butler commanding Department.
“The enemy attacked my lines in heavy force last night, and were repulsed with great loss. In front of one colored regiment, eighty-two dead bodies of the enemy are already counted. The colored troops behaved handsomely, and are in fine spirits. The assault was in columns a division strong, and would have carried any works not so well defended. The enemy’s loss was at least one thousand.
“(Signed) Respectfully,
“D. B. BIRNEY, Major-General
“Seventy-five of our Black Virginia Cavalry were surrounded by three regiments of rebel infantry, and gallantly cut through them; and an orderly-sergeant killed with his sabre six of the enemy, and escaped with the loss of an arm by grape-shot. He lies in an adjoining room, and is slowly recovering.”