Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 9.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[461] the necessity of keeping a small cavalry force in the vicinity of Gloucester Point, say one squadron, which would be subsisted (both men and horses) without expense to the Government, for the purpose of protecting the road leading to Richmond. If this were done, large quantities of beef, mutton, bacon, and such things as are necessary for the sick and wounded, would be sent to the latter place. This force would keep open the road to Richmond, leading from the counties of King and Queen, Essex, Middlesex, and Matthews, in all of which counties are large military stores.

While at Gloucester Point, my picket reported a large transport, filled with men, leaving the wharf at York. She went out of the river, and returned, in the course of six or eight hours, light, and when I left, was loading with stores of some sort.

The citizens in the vicinity of Gloucester Point reported to me that the guns in the fort at York had been bursted some short time before. The reports induced me to believe that the enemy is evacuating Yorktown.

I am, Captain, respectfully,

Captain: In compliance with the order of General Stuart, I have the honor to report the operations of the cavalry under my command from the twenty-sixth June to tenth July:

We left our camp on an hour's notice, on the evening of the twenty-fifth June, joining General Stuart upon the Brooke turnpike, and continuing the march until we met the army of General Jackson, near Ashland, that night. Nothing special occurred with my command on twenty-sixth.

On the twenty-seventh, near close of the battle of Cold Harbor, we were ordered forward into the field. The position in which we were halted exposed my entire line to the fire of one of the enemy's batteries, which lost no time in opening upon us. Finding my men immediately within the range, and the shell striking under their horses, and exploding over their heads, I promptly removed them under the cover of the hill. Fortunately no casualty occurred.

On Saturday, twenty-eighth, one of my squadrons, under command of Major Detoney, was in advance, with orders to proceed to Despatch Station. Finding it defended by a cavalry force, they were promptly charged and put to flight. On pursuing them beyond the railroad, another company of cavalry were found in line, who were promptly charged and routed. The only casualties to this squadron were, a flesh wound received in the arm by Lieutenant Early; a slight sabre cut on the head by a private, (Walters;) and a slight wound to one or two horses. Our success enabled us to cut the wires, and break the communication between the enemy and his base. While separated from the main column, on the twenty-eighth, my command captured three wagons and teams of the enemy, and several prisoners, that were sent to the rear.

On Sunday, twenty-ninth, I was detached, and ordered to proceed to Tunstall's Station to destroy the track, cars, &c., at that point, which was done. On that evening, I rejoined the command at the White House.

On Monday, thirtieth, by order, I left one squadron at the White House to complete the work of destruction there, with orders to preserve certain property, and send it to Richmond. This squadron did not rejoin me until after the tenth. I continued with the column until Thursday, third July, when I was ordered by General Stuart to take position near Shirley, on James River, in the rear of the enemy. This position I occupied until the tenth. I found the rear guard consisted of about two thousand infantry, one battery of artillery, and about five hundred cavalry. These protected a wagon train of three or four hundred wagons. With the assistance of a few guns and two regiments of infantry, I think I could have captured this train and its guard; and I applied, accordingly, to General Lee and General Stuart. They were not furnished — doubtless for good reasons — until General A. P. Hill arrived, (on the sixth, I believe,) at which time the entire train and guard had crossed the creek and joined the main army.

My scouts brought in numerous prisoners, who were sent to the rear; and my command collected a large number of small arms, and other stores, which were secured.

The casualties in my command were:

Company A--Private Hillens, killed, First squadron, at Cold Harbor; Lieutenant Early, wounded, Third squadron, at Despatch Station; Private Walters, Third squadron, at Despatch Station; missing, private Burr, Fourth squadron, taken prisoner at Shirley.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Captain: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the Fourteenth regiment South Carolina volunteers, under my command, in the late battles around Richmond:

On Wednesday, the twenty-fifth of June, the brigade was encamped at Smith's farm, on the Chickahominy, and my regiment went on picket duty that morning. During the day, all the brigade, except my regiment, was ordered to move up the river, toward Meadow Bridge. I was informed that other troops would relieve me on picket during Wednesday night; and, in that case, I was to follow and join the brigade. It turned out, however, we were not relieved. The regiment remained on picket all the night, next day, and the next night — being two days without rest or sleep.

About ten o'clock A. M., on Friday, we could