1 7.30 P.M.

Governor,

The enemy cavalry drew in our picket and by great good luck I happened I happened[sic] to be on the spot. Under my direction the picket opened fire on them & drove them back, but if I had not just happened to be on the spot, the picket would have retired without firing a shot and might have stampeded the whole command. I really do not know what will be the result if they should undertake to charge down the road[?] tonight. I am afraid to leave the command for a moment after what I saw in front this evening.

Yours, &c.

John F. Reynolds

Maj. Gen. Vols.

Gov. A.G. Curtin

Hagerstown, Md.

[Envelope:]

Dispatch from

Maj. Gen. Jno. Reynolds

Hagerstown, Sept 1861

An undated dispatch from Uncle John to someone I can’t identify.* From the remark and date on the envelope it would appear to have been when he commanded the Pa. Militia on the state border prior to Antietem.

*see reverse first sheet [that reads, “Gov. A.G. Curtin…”]