[A memorandum to Captain
Mackay]
June 30
The Crepuscule, off Gwynn’s Island
Captain Bryant of the Crepuscule sloop-of-war presents his Compliments to Capt. Mackay and wishes to make known he shall appear presently to inform the Captain of the Loss of 7 Privates & one Officer in their late Raids upon the Rappahannock.
On the 29th in the Evening, about 6 PM, we anchor’d near Fairweather Creek on the Advice of Lt. Bryson & sent a Party of 21 Privates & their Serjeant ashore. There, the Enemy engagd with the Party & in the Affray were captured or slain 7 Privates & Sjt. Clippinger. A full List is appended to this Memorandum.
Following this Skirmish, the remaining 14 Pvts. were brought aboard. We sent warning Shots to annoy the Rebels, but received no Reply. One Half Hour later we sent a Flag of Truce ashore to demand Return of any Taken & any Dead. The Rebels wd not treat with us; they had abandond their Post of Ambush & could not be Found.
We waited until 10 PM (some 4 Hours) but Sjt. Clippinger not returning, we weighd & set sail.
We fell down the River toward the Bay.
We may supply more Details as necessary. This Memorandum to notify you of the Circumstance.
Capt. Bryant of the Crepuscule