1863 January 26 U.S. Steamer Currituck

                                 U. S. Steamer "Currituck"
                                      Indian Creek Va
                                          January 26 - 1863

Sir
                I have to inform you I left Dividing
Creek yesterday at daybreak for this place. On
my way down I discovered two Canoes Standing in
I fired a gun at them which brought them to
they were both laden with valuable miscellaneous freight
which - I am informed by one of the 5 men captured -
Cost Five thousand Dollars at Baltimore.  On
anchoring in this Creek I despatched the Gig
and Second Cutter in charge of Ensign Nelson
the Executive Officer to Explore Barnes Creek. they
succeeded in discovering Five Canoes all loaded
with miscellaneous freight. the Crews all Escaped to
the Woods
                  About 10 o'Clock last night two negroes
came off from Shore and informing me that a
"Sloop" and two Canoes were laying in Tabbs Creek
about 2 miles from where I lay, I at once Sent a
party in Search of them - the Negroes acting as Pilots, -
they Succeeded in Capturing them, and all the
Crew with one Exception, the Canoes were full of
Freight the Cat Boat had disposed of hers, but
I found on the person of the Captain Thirteen Hundred
and fourteen Dollars, which I send you in charge of
Masters Mate Ambrose Felix, Prize master, also a
Mail & Some newspapers found on board the Sloop
                                              I am, very respectfully
                                                     your obt. Servant
                                                         T. J. Linnekin
                                                    acting Master Comdg
Commodore
      A. A. Harwood
Comdg Potomac Flotilla

MSS 15134