Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 13.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

General,—Early on the morning of the 2d I received information from my scouts that the portion of the column which attacked Richmond on the 1st March was attempting to escape through King William and King & Queen counties to Gloucester Point. I immediately sent a dispatch to Captain Magruder (Forty-second battalion) to join me, and started in pursuit with the remainder of my company (about twenty-five men), having sent the rest to scout and picket the numerous roads and ferries.

I overtook the enemy about 4 P. M., and attacked his rear, skirmishing with him for several miles. I then turned off on a by-road to head him, sending a few men to harass his rear, was reinforced by Captain Magruder with about thirty men and a number of the Home Guards, and placed them in line of battle at a point that the enemy was obliged to pass. I then sent for Captain Fox (Fifth Virginia Cavalry) and he joined me with as many of his company as he had been able to collect (about fifteen men) just in time to meet the [531] enemy, who advanced upon our position about 11 1/2 P. M. The Colonel commanding (Dahlgren) was killed at the first fire, and several wounded. They then retreated in confusion, leaving the roads and taking to the fields.

As soon as it was light we discovered them scattered about in a field dismounted, when we advanced and found that the whole force had surrendered to a Confederate officer, who was a prisoner with them, except the commissioned officers and a few men who had dismounted and fled to the woods. The officers and most of the men have since been captured.

The whole number captured will amount to about one hundred and seventy-five—forty negroes and one hundred and thirty five soldiers.

I am indebted to Captains Magruder and Fox and the Home Guards for their cordial co-operation, as well as the coolness and bravery of their men in meeting the enemy.

I have the honor to be,

General, your most obedient servant,