Washington July 13th 1864
Another day and the reports and the general belief is tonight That the rebels have left or are leaving Maryland and crossing the River back into Virginia. Efforts are being made to intercept them which may prove partialy successful. They have undoubtedly a large amount of plunder, Cattle, Horses, &c. I was told tonight by one who says he knows that the rebels numbered 22,000 men only. It has been a great “scare” for the Country amounting to a great foraging expedition if this is the last of it, and I am inclined to think it is. I went up to Sec’y Sewards this morning and saw Col Seward of the 9th and got what information I could in reference to my nephew Col E P Taft (reported killed) and wrote his Father again. It is possible that he is only wounded and a prisoner.