Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 10.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[315] Major-General J. E. B. Stuart joined me before the fight commenced, was on the field the whole day, assisted immensely by his sagacious counsels, large experience, and by his usual daring and conspicuous example, in turning the fortunes of the day in our favor. We share with him the anguish and deep grief felt at the loss of the noble Pelham of his staff — an officer of the brightest promises for the future. Major Terrill, of General Stuart's staff, besides being active on the field, assisted the gallant Breathed in the management of the artillery.

Captain Gilmer, Twelfth Virginia cavalry, a volunteer for the occasion on the Major-General's staff, I also commend for his marked bravery and cool courage. I append a recapitulation of my loss.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Major: I have the honor, agreeably to instructions from division headquarters, to forward a report of the operations of my brigade on the four-teenth and fifteenth instants. During the night of the thirteenth, I received information from Lieutenant Payne, commanding Black Horse scout, that the enemy's cavalry and artillery in heavy force were moving up from Fredericksburg in the direction of Kelley's Ford. I immediately sent Captain Bolling, company G, Ninth Virginia cavalry, with his company of sharpshooters, to reenforce the picket at that place. He arrived before day, and placed his men in the rifle-pits. About day he reports that, with a regiment dismounted as sharpshooters lining the banks, the enemy's cavalry made a dash at the ford. They dashed back at the first volley from our sharpshooters. Captain Bolling's command consisted of about one hundred and fifty men. During the morning of the fourteenth they forced their way across the river at Rappahannock Station, the sharpshooters posted to protect the bridge giving way and leaving the rifle-pits exposed to a flank fire. On the appearance of reenforcements, they immediately recrossed, and the horse artillery, superintended by Major Beckham, engaged the enemy's batteries. Firing was kept up by the artillery and sharpshooters most of the day. On the fifteenth their cavalry forced a crossing at Wellford's Ford, driving the few pickets off, and made a dash at Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis at Beverly's Ford, driving him away. As soon as the brigade could be brought forward, I proceeded at once to Beverly's Ford, and, with Colonel Chambliss's Thirteenth regiment Virginia cavalry, drove their rear guard, consisting of about two squadrons, into the river, drowning a number of them, capturing fourteen prisoners, horses, &c. I cannot speak too highly of Colonel Chambliss and his command. He had with him only about one good squadron. Lieutenant Nash, adjutant of Thirteenth regiment, and Pat Freeman, the Colonel's orderly, were conspicuous for their gallantry. The regiment charged through a creek, the water up to their saddle skirts. Colonel Beale had crossed with the head of his regiment, but was recalled. He captured one Lieutenant and ten privates and horses. Major Beckham, with his artillery, rendered valuable aid, and he and his officers deserve much praise for the remarkable manner in which their guns were served. In closing this, I take pleasure in making special mention of Captain Bolling. His conduct on this, as on all former occasions in battle, was marked for coolness and gallantry. I have the honor herewith to transmit reports from the commandants of the respective regiments and batteries. Also to append a summary of the casualties and captures of the two days: