Doc. 32.-battle of Kelleysville.
Report of Major-General Stuart.
headquarters cavalry division, army of Northern Va., March 25, 1863.
Brigadier-General R. H. Chilton, A. A. and I. G., Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia:
General: I have the honor to enclose herewith the very graphic report of Brigadier-General Fitzhugh Lee, of the battle of Kelleysville, March seventeenth, between his brigade and a division of the enemy's cavalry.
There is little to be said in addition.
The dispositions made for meeting this anticipated raid were sufficient to have prevented or very much retarded the crossing of the Rappahannock at Kelleysville.
The report shows wherein these dispositions failed of their object.
The brigade, however, under its noble chief, so redeemed the day by an exhibition of the most extraordinary heroism, that we are half disposed to lose sight of the picket failure in the outset.
Being charged by the commanding General specially with the preparations to meet Stoneman, I was present on the occasion, because of the responsibility which would necessarily attach to me for what was done; but, having approved of General Fitzhugh Lee's plans, I determined not to interfere with his command of the brigade as long as it was commanded entirely to my satisfaction, and I took special pride in witnessing its gallant conduct under its accomplished leader.
The defeat was decided, and the enemy, broken and demoralized, retired, under cover of darkness, to his place of refuge — the main army — having abandoned in defeat an expedition commenced with boasting and vainglorious demonstration.
I have the honor to enclose a copy of congratulatory orders from division and brigade headquarters, and an order announcing to the division the death of the lamented and noble Pelham.
I was especially indebted to him for his usual gallant services, and to Captain Harry Gilmer, Twelfth Virginia cavalry, who accompanied me as volunteer staff.
Major Louis F. Terrill, the court-martial to which he belonged having taken recess, buckled on his sword with very commendable zeal, and came to the field, where he acquitted himself with credit, both as an artillerist and as staff officers I cordially concur with the Brigadier-General Brigadier-General R. H. Chilton, A. A. and I. G., Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia:
