Lieutenant,
The operation was a success. As you predicted, the manumits tried to free their comrade – and sprung our trap. We captured five of them, interrogated those still able to talk (no crucial information there, they were all fresh recruits) and carried out summary execution. No casualties on our side.
We shall stay in the area for the next couple of days, see if more of the rebels show up.
In the name of Knyaz Brencis, may His reign last forever,
Sergeant Ebelin