June 16, 1863, Austin State Gazette
A Member of Bates’ Regiment, writing from camp at Niblett’s Bluff, where they were awaiting the arrival of their ammunition and baggage train, says:
“On the 25th, Green’s cavalry had a skirmish with the enemy’s pickets near Franklin. Our scouts surprised and captured a party of officers on that day in the town. They had remained in the rear to drink tea with some lady friends, and not thinking an enemy near, were very much astonished and crestfallen, to find themselves prisoners. They arrived here yesterday on route for Houston. Among them is one Major and four Lieutenants.”