Division Hd.Qrs. Pa. Res. Vols.

Camp near Harrison’s Landing

On James River, July 5th 1862

To the Misses Reynolds

1829 Spruce St., Phila.

I have waited twenty-four hours since the opening of direct mail communication with the North, in the hope of being able to write you on the authority of an official communication by flag of truce, of the safety of Genl. Reynolds. The parties bearing the flag of truce, however, have not yet returned and I write now to relieve you of all anxiety, respecting his safety from the positive assurances of rebel officers lately captured, that he is in Richmond uninjured, and also to state to you the disposition that I have made of his personal effects.

The Genl. was captured at the Battle of Gaines’ Mills on the 27 ___, about 6 1/2 P.M. I saw him as late as 6 o’clock, at which time we were together near the right of the line. I was directed to post two regiments of his Brigade, that had been relieved, in a position about 1/4 of a mile distant, and he rode towards the front. This is the last time he is remembered to have been seen by any one of our officers.

A flank movement of the enemy occurred to the right of this position directly afterwards and several regiments fell back in some disorder. It is the general impression among those familiar with the grounds, that in attempting to rally and urge forward three retreating and disorganized troops, he was surrounded and captured. Capt. Kingsbury his asst. Adjt. Genl. was taken with him. A Captain in one of the Virginia Regiments taken prisoner in the fight of the 30th ___ states that he had seen Genl. Reynolds in Richmond the day previous, that the General was not wounded and was treated with great courtesy and allowed the freedom of the city on his parole. These statements I know to be believed at Genl. McClellan’s Hd.Qrs. and if, as we all think, he is only a prisoner, his safe return becomes merely a matter of time.

His whole brigade were most devotedly attached to him, and I do not think the loss of any commander was ever more deeply and sincerely felt than was his, and if he could return today to the command of the Division he would be received with an earnest enthusiasm that no other man in the world could awaken. His coolness and bravery and his admirable disposition of the forces at Mecanicsville [sic] where he commanded—the engagement at which place is considered among military men as the most brilliant and skillfully managed of the [Great?] fight—are yet the constant theme of conversation about the camp fires. It is the highest aspiration of these men to fight again under Genl. Reynolds.

The personal property of the General I carefully gathered together and shipped this morning to Washington in charge of the Genl’s servant and under the special care of a Mr. Lang of Chester County, in whom I have entire confidence. He was directed to place it in store in Washington, and telegrapt [sic] to Mr. James Reynolds of Lancaster, its location. The two remaining private horses of the Genl.—he rode his splendid sorrel on the battle field—by advice of Genl. Seymour I turned over to the U.S., taking the Q.M.’s receipt therefore. This receipt, being of some value, I gave to Mr. Lang with direction to deliver it personally to Mr. Landis, 1829 Spruce St. All three arrangements have been made in the greatest imaginable haste and may __ [there?] with considerable difficulty. I think they are the best that could have been made under the circumstances. Will you be kind enough to inform me if the property shipped reaches its destination? Enclosed please find a letter addressed to Genl. Reynolds which reached here today, and with the earnest hope that the General may soon return to you and to us. I remain very respectfully yours, &c.

Chas. B. Lamborn

A.d.C. to

Brig. Genl. Seymour