The &c.
Gen. --secure the country transports 100 prisoners and 500 Workers and --... fight — Destroys of Federal ..and... with the loss of one man!It being determined upon to penetrate the enemy's lines, and make a full and thorough reconnaissance of their position and strength. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart order (Col. Fitg Hugh Lee,) 9th, (Col. F. H. Fitg Hugh Lee,) and 4th, Virginia cavalry, (Lieut. Gardiner commending,) to hold themselves in readiness. These regiments, however, did not turn out more than half their usual strength, the 4th not having more than four companies in the hold. The Jeff. Davis Troop were also incorporated in the detail, as also two pieces of Stuart's Flying Artillery--a 12-pound howitzer and a 6-pound English rifle piece — the whole force not numbering more than 1,400 men, if even the total reached that number. On Thursday at dawn this column proceeded down the Charlottesville (Brook Church) turnpike, and had gone some distance without molestation when the vanguard overtook some eight or ten adventurous negroes journeying rapidly towards the Federal lines. These runaways were secured and sent to the rear, and as night was drawing near pickets and were placed, and the column camped for the night near Ashland, it being considered imprudent to progress further. Towards warning signal rockets were and answered by our troops at the Lines far to the rear, and as soon as day broke the column proceeded on its march. Carefully and cast lousily journeying, the Federal lines were when horse pickets discovering our vidette advancing, the videttes hastily re according to orders, upon the main body ded by woods and a turn in the road. Being near Hanover Court-House, the Federal were went to proceed thither daily for forage, as a captured picket informed the men, but on this occasion had orders to proceed as far as possible towards Richmond. It being thought possible to capture the whole detachment, dispositions were accordingly made, but upon the appearance of the second squadron of the 9th, (composed of the ‘"Caroline Dragoons,"’ Captain Swan, and ‘"Lee's Light Horse,"’ Lieut. Hungerford, commanding,) under command of Captain Swan, the enemy's outpost hastily galloped back, and their main body took to flight, Captain Swan's squadron dashing after them down the road, making a splendid race of two miles at a killing pace. Having proceeded thus far, and near the Court-House, the enemy seemed to have been reinforced, and made a stand on the road, and in fields to the right and left of it. Thinking to flank them, and capture the whole force, Col. Lee, of the 1st, proceeded round their position to cut off retreat, but the movement occupying longer time than desired the 2d squadron of the 9th prepared to charge. And as they trotted towards the enemy, the Federal leader could be plainly seen and heard haranguing his troops, urging and begging them to act like men, and stand. His eloquence was of no avail, and as the 2d squadron of the 9th increased their pace and came near to them with flashing sabres, the Federal officer galloped towards them, thinking his men would follow, Not so, however, and as he wheeled his horse back again, our men were upon him; he fell shot in the head, his men gave a feeble volley with pis and scampered off the field in ludicrous style, leaving killed and wounded behind, and many prisoners. Capturing outposts and pickets in great number, and overtaking wearied horsemen, it was ascertained that the force engaged were squadrons of the 5th U. S. regulars, who had seen hard service in Texas and the Indian countries, and had never refused a charge before. Their camps were reported to be adjacent, and proceeding thither everything was destroyed and put to the torch. From several captured in and about these camps it was ascertained that several regiments were waiting for our advance up the road, and as their pickets were stronger and more numerous than usual, it was deemed advisable to halt. The second squadron of the were dismounted and thrown to the front, on the skirts of a wood, to the right and left of the road,) to act as skirmishers and defend the artillery, which was moved up and took position commanding a bridge in the hollow — the enemy's force and ours being screened from view by rising ground at either end of the road — our force being farther from the front than theirs. Appearing in considerable force, the enemy advanced in admirable order, but suddenly facing to the right about were quickly retreating, when the dismounted men poured a galling volley into them, emptying many saddles and causing much confusion.--Reforming, they were a second time reinforced and came on to the charge up the rise in gallant style. Burning to distinguish themselves the third squadron of the 9th, (composed of the ‘"Essex Light Dragoons,"’ Captain Latane and ‘"Mercer County Cavalry,"’ Lieut. Walker commanding,) under command of Captain Latane, had received orders to charge the advancing enemy, and putting spurs to their steeds dashed gallantly along the road the brave Latane fifteen paces in front! ‘"Cut and thrust,"’ shouted the Federal commander. ‘"On to them, boys,"’ yelled Latane, and the meeting squadrons dashed in full shock together. The front men of either-column were unhorsed, and the fight became instantly hot and bloody. Capt. Latane singled out the Federal Commander, and cut off the officer's hat close to his head, but the Federal dodging the cut, rode past, and as he did so, discharged the revolver leads at Latane, killing him instantly! The enemy rapidly giving way, our men shouted in triumph, and cut right and left, pretending the foe with frightful accuracy and and seeing the Federal Commander in pursuit of Adjutant Robins, (who was himself of an enemy,) a private dashed after him and clove his skull in twain! The battle between these rival squadrons, though of short duration, was force and sanguinary in the extreme. in all directions, and apparently paralyzed by the ntless fury of this corps, the enemy find in every direction, leaving killed, wounded, horses, accoutrements, &c., in profusion upon the dusty roads.--Successful pursuit being sible, their camps, were visited and destroyed, wagons on the road were overtaken and burned, and the entire route from Ashland, by Hanover Court-House and Old Church, to tion No. 32 (Tunstall's, we believe,) on the York River Railroad, was but a continuous scene of triumph and destruction. Commissary and Quartermaster's stores were and burned at every turn, prisoners and horses were captured and sent to and by the time of their arrival at the more than $1,000,000 of Federal property most have been captured and destroyed, besides of prisoner riding in the rear! Upon approaching the railroad, were advancing and the whistle sounded! My orders every man was and ranged beside the will and thinking the perhaps, the was stopped when the Carolina Troop opening fire the and, putting on steam ... towards the heavy freight and having soldiers on the was frightful. Many of the enemy jumped from the train, and were afterwards captured or killed, to the of 30 or more. The brightness was by Lieut. Robinson. Still adding to their at every a detachment was immediately sent to the White House, on the Pamunkey; add, discovering four large transports moored there, and some hundred wagons or more, with teams, &c., in a wagon-yard, all these were instantly seized, to the great fright and astonishment of the Federal, and the torch immediately applied to all things combustible. One of the transports escaped and floated down the river. The contents of the other three were chiefly valuable Commissary and Quartermasters stores, vast quantities of army clothing, grain, fruits, and sutlers' stores. Tempting as they were, all things were laid in ashes, the horses led off, and prisoners secured. Thinking that the enemy would send out an overwhelming force in pursuit, an unlikely route was selected, and the whole command proceeded in triumph to New Kent Court-House. New Kent C. H. being the rendezvous, the 4th squadron of the 9th, under command of Capt. Knight, (consisting of the Lunenburg Troop and Lancaster Cavalry,) having burned the transports and wagons, joined the column on its route thither. ‘"Hab we got Richmond' yet, boss?"’ asks a darkie, in a corn-field, turning up his eye balls in admiration of the ‘"Maryland Cavalry;"’ ‘"well, if we ain't, we soon shall, for McClellan and our boys is sure to fetch him."’ Others, however, proved keener-sighted than the negro; women ran to the wayside cottage-door; a flush of triumph mantles their cheek; and, as the eye kindles into a flame of admiration, tears trickle down, and ‘"God bless you, boys,"’ is all they say. Now and then an old man is met by the wayside, pensive and sad; but, recognizing the horsemen, he stops, looks astonished, and throws up his hat for the ‘"Maryland Cavalry"’ just arrived. Others wave handkerchiefs--'tis useless to deceive them, for woman instinctively discovers friends or foes at sight. ‘"Our cavalry here!"’ exclaim they in wonder; and with hands clasped upon their breast, mutely, but eloquently, gaze. ‘"Take care, men, take care; Heaven bless you; but take care — the enemy are everywhere!"’ Such is their gentle warning, given to the weary, dusty, chivalric column dashing through the country in the enemy's rear! The advance guard having reached New Kent, and found an extensive sutlers' establishment, some dismount and enter. Every description of goods that taste and fancy might require are found in profusion here. Clothes of all descriptions and qualities, cutlery, sabres, pistols, shoes, preserves, conserves, boots, stationery, wines, liquors, tobacco, cigars, tea, coffee, sugar, tapioca, Maccarone, champagne, cherry, and burgundy, in great quantity; in fine, all that men could buy for money was there discovered, while round the store lolled Federal soldiers, and the sleek, fat proprietor, eloquently holding forth upon McClellan's wonderful genius as a commander, and the speedy subjugation of the rebels. Our wearied horsemen called for refreshments, which the sutler handed to the ‘"Maryland Cavalry"’ (!) with great alacrity; but when pay was demanded, our troopers roared with laughter, told the proprietor, who they were, and much to his surprise and indignation pronounced them all prisoners of war.--As the other troops arrived it was found that a magnificent Federal ambulance had been captured on the route, containing very valuable medical stores. The vehicle and contents were burned where overtaken; the driver, good looking, well dressed doctor, and companions, being accommodated with a mule each, and were at the moment to be found among nearly two hundred other nondescript — sailors, soldiers, teamsters, negroes, sutlers, &c., &c., in the motley cavalcade at the rear. Helping themselves liberally to all the store afforded, our troops remained at the sutler's until near midnight, (Friday,) when, being comparatively refreshed, and all present, the head of the column was turned towards the Chickahominy and home! Champagne, we are told, flowed freely while any remained — wines, liquors, and cigars were all consumed. Yankee products of every description were appropriated without much ado, and with light hearts all quietly journeyed by a lonely road, near to the main body of the enemy, and a little before dawn of Saturday were on Chickahominy's bank, ready to cross. Being far below all the bridges, and where deep water flows, they knew not how or where to cross! Here was an awful situation for our gallant band! Directed to Blind Ford, it was fifteen feet deep! The enemy had blocked up all the main roads, and had thousands scouring the country, eager to entrap or slaughter them!--but two miles from McClellan's quarters, within sound of their horse pickets — and without means to cross! Quietly taking precautions against all surprise, strict silence being enjoined upon the prisoners, first one horseman plunged into the flood, and then another, at different points — all too deep; no ford discoverable, no bridge! The horses, it was thought, would follow each other, and swim the stream — it was tried, and the horses carried away by the current! Breaking into small parties, the cavalrymen swam and re-swam the river with their horses, and when some fifty or more had been landed, a strange but friendly voice whispered in the dark--‘"The old bridge is a few yards higher up — it can be mended!"’ 'Twas found, and mended it could be! Quietly working, tree after tree was felled; earth, and twigs, and branches, were carried and piled up on the main props,--old logs were rolled and pitched across the stream, yet after long and weary labor the bridge was built, and the long and silent procession of cavalry, artillery, prisoners, and spoils, safely and quietly passed this frail impromptu bridge, scarcely any sounds being heard but the rush of waters beneath. Once across, and in the swamp, all was industry and expedition. Artillery axles sank low in the mire--ten Yankee horses were hitched to each piece, and as the first rays of morning crimsoned the tree tops, the long line rapidly sought the shade of woods away from the Federal lines. Yet our troops had not proceeded far when the advance were halted ‘"Who come there?"’ cried the Federal horseman in the swamp; ‘"Who goes there?"’ calls another, and quicker than thought our advance guard (by order) dash away into the open ground; the Federal fire half a dozen shots, and rush in pursuit.--Into the thicket some half dozen Federal horsemen dart after our men, and quicker than lightning are surrounded and prisoners. Once more within our lines, all went merry as a marriage ball. Quickly the weary band along the Charles City road, down revealed them to our pickets, and they entered our camps faint and but the noblest band of that ever or drew a for their birthright ‘"What, then, was the general result?"’ asked we of a wearied, dusty trooper watering his jaded and faithful contempt by a road-side spring. ‘"The result," ’ "We have been in the saddle from Thursday until Saturday noon, breaking ...or... we have whipped the enemy wherever he dared in appear, never ... North, brought in 170 prisoners, four officers, and negroes, killed and wounded of the enemy — pleased and killed — poor Capt. Latane! This is the result, and $3,000,000 cover the Federal loss in goods alone. At to myself," said he, mounting and trotting away, ‘"I wouldn't have missed the only for $1,000--history editor show such an other exploit as this of Severity!"’ He spoke the truth, and roughly, as a true soldier serving under an incomparable leader. More words are not now needed — the whole country is astonished and applauds — McClellan is disgraced--St and his troopers are now forever in history.
In regard to matters at and beyond our Lines, other than those of which we have spoken, little of interest has transpired to break upon and enliven the monotony of the past week. Improvements are going on from day to day in and about the camps, which will prove beneficial to general health, and greatly improve the sanitary system so much neglected heretofore. Who may have been the main instrument in causing the thorough repairs of roads, drainage, distribution of tents, &c., we are not informed, but fully accord with our soldiery generally in heartily thanking him, for while it proves of immense saving to general transportation, great convenience and health, it was of the most vital importance to all and every military movement, and should always be the first thing considered. We are sorry to say that the enemy, of late, have succeeded in cutting off several of our pickets; it being reported in camps that not less than ten disappeared on Friday night last. The adventurous temper of our men oftentimes tempts the enemy to send out cavalry squads to pick up those who, through foolhardiness or love of adventure, stray beyond the lines prescribed. It is reported that officers in charge of picket posts have great trouble, occasionally, in keeping their details from straying beyond prudent limits; for, not content with the danger of picketing, they love to wander off through the woods as scouts, for the purpose of gratifying curiosity; and, imprudently reconnoitering to get ‘"fancy shots, "’ as they term it, are occasionally cut off from all support, and easily captured by mounted pickets. This manœuvre of the enemy has been more than once practiced, and with some success. It was first developed in the sharp skirmish which took place at Garnett's farm, when the enemy first lined the Chickahominy. While the 5th Louisiana were engaged in picketing, the enemy's infantry appeared in force, but were driven across the bridge with loss. But this was simply a ruse; for while so occupied, and some distance from all supports, the cavalry crossed higher up the stream, and appeared upon their flank. Rapidly throwing themselves into hollow square, the 5th presented such a bold and decided front that the enemy declined to attack. Falling back, yet still in square — a beautiful movement, though seldom attempted — the brave Louisianan poured in incessant volleys upon the enemy and successfully retired; yet had it not been for their high state of discipline and quickness the pickets would have been cut off or slaughtered.
