Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 11.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[456] horses for the large number that are dismounted, he would have the finest command in the army.

Brigadier-General H. E. Davies, one of New York's distinguished sons, commands a brigade in the Second division. Although young in years, he is a veteran in the service, and has won his way to the proud position which he now occupies by hard services in the field. He is brave almost to a fault, and is always in the front when his brigade is in action. His briade, during the recent heavy fights, have done fully their share, and always acquitted themselves with honor.

composition of the Second division.

Brigadier-General D. McM. Gregg commanding.

Staff.--Captain H. C. Wier, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Captain R. R. Corson, Quartermaster.

Major W. W. L. Phillips, Surgeon-in-Chief.

Captain P. Pollard, Commissary of Subsistence.

Major C. Taylor, Assistant Inspector-General-

Captain W. D. Phillips, Commissary of Musters.

Captain Frank B. Alibane, Ordnance Officer.

Captain Charles Treichel, Provost-Marshal.

Lieutenant J. R. West, Chief of Ambulance.

Lieutenant Thos. Arrowsmith, Aid-de-Camp.

Lieutenant T. J. Gregg, Aid-de-Camp.

Captain F. Wilson, Signal Officer.

First Brigade--Brigadier General Henry E. Davies.

Staff.--Captain F. L. Tremain, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Captain H. S. Thomas, Assistant Inspector-General.

Captain W. Harper, Aid.

Lieutenant E. H. Parry, Aid.

Major W. B. Rezner, Brigade Surgeon.

Second Brigade--Acting Brigadier-General J. Irving Gregg.

I will attempt a brief detail of the recent raid that emerged from Grant's lines on the Rapidan. Being one of the pursuing party our means of observation will not ensure a general detail of the pursuit, as, writing from the spur of the moment, we shall confine ourselves more particularly to the minutiae of the operations of our own brigade.

While our cavalry were occupying the respective positions on General Lee's advance lines, where we had for several days been engaged actively with the enemy's advance, mostly infantry, his cavalry seemed rather reserved, and whenever it made its appearance was promptly whipped and driven back upon his infantry supports, which, in most instances, we engaged with spirit and success, fighting them with our carbines in regular infantry style, which state of facts, and the wild, wooded nature of the country, had almost resolved our arm of the service into infantry. General Lee, following his successes, was closely pressing Grant down in the direction of Fredericksburg, giving the cavalry their share in the immediate work.

In the meantime it seemed that a vastly organized force of the enemy's cavalry and artillery had concentrated and moved round far to his left, and made their appearance on Monday, the ninth instant, sweeping far around, and tapping our most extended cavalry pickets on the right, on the telegraph road, leading from Fredericksburg to Richmond. Wickham's cavalry brigade--the nearest at hand — took up the pursuit about two hours behind the rear of their column, which was tilting along at a most sweeping pace, and, from the best information, would entitle them to a more respectable term than mere raiders. From the most reliable sources their force could safely be set down at between fifteen and twenty thousand, and thirty-five pieces of artillery. At least, from one fact, this deduction maybe drawn — it took them four and a half hours, marching by fours, at a sweeping trot, to pass a given point. Lomax's brigade also immediately joined in pursuit, followed a few hours after by Gordon's. Wickham and Lomax overtook their rear at Jerrold's Mills. They were plundering and destroying thoroughly that gentleman's property, breaking up his household furniture, carrying off his bacon, and emptying his grain and flour into the river. A short skirmish here ensued, the enemy retreating precipitately, leaving the telegraph road, turning to the right, and taking the Beaver Dam road. They were closely followed and overtaken, late in the evening, on Mr. Wynne's farm, where they were so closely pressed that they gave battle. A few gallant charges soon sent them adrift down the road, leaving several killed and wounded and several prisoners in our hands. They made another stand about two miles further on, at Mitchell's shop, and were again routed and pursued closely to Swann's farm, where their rear was strongly reinforced, and where a hot fight was joined. The brave Virginians delved into their heavy columns with such vigor and spirit that that field was soon cleared, leaving many dead and wounded. Our loss was comparatively small in these engagements, mostly in wounded. Here night closed on the parties, Fitz Lee still following and harassing their rear till the enemy reached North Anna river, when, about daylight, a sharp fight was kept up, these two brigades holding their own against vastly superior numbers, and steadily driving the enemy before them across the river, where the enemy protected their position at the bridge, with numerous artillery, long enough to burn it. This, then, gave them a good start on us. In the meantime Gordon's brigade came up, making three brigades, all told, not more than four thousand men, already wearied and worn down by continual watching and fighting for five