“I expect Gen. Smallwood will set off in a few days to the westward to take the command of the militia of this state. He is only waiting for a few necessaries, having lost his whole baggage. You will in the meantime have command of all our troops. I cannot help repeating to you that a general action will be attended with fatal consequences, if we should be again routed. I would rather venture to recommend skirmishing, as it will oblige the enemy to keep in a more compact body and prevent their plundering parties from doing as much mischief as they otherwise would do; besides, it will give the militia spirits. Gen. Butler will be with you soon, as he starts to-morrow.”