Transcription

        U S Steamer Daylight

        Off Newport News Aug 8 /61

My Dear Wife,

     Since my last letter

although written but yesterday,

some warlike events enable

me to note them briefly.

     From information obtained

from a Yankee who deserted

from the rebels, we learned

that last night (wednesday)

7,000 of the enemy were to

march on Hampton, burn

it and in the feinted attack

the main body were to sud-

denly attack the News.

     But in consequence of the

revelation of the plot, they

cut the Telegraph wires con-

necting this and Ft Monroe,

burnt Hampton, but thought

it imprudent probably to

come to Newport News.

     Capt Lockwood was called

to consult with Gen Phelps

and officers.  We took our

position half musket shot