Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 6.
Frank Moore, Ed.

---

[188] had proceeded not more than a mile when the “blue coats” were discovered at a small village known as Haymarket. Not waiting to ascertain their strength or position, the commanding officer ordered companies D, G, and H to charge upon the town, while he held companies A, B, F, and I, with the artillery, in reserve.

Regardless of the numbers that might oppose them, our boys raised a yell and dashed off at full speed--Capt. Randolph, of company H, leading the column in the most gallant style. After a slight resistance, the enemy commenced a precipitate flight, when the remaining companies were ordered to charge. The work was short and quick — the whole party being “bagged” in a few moments. One lieutenant and twenty-six privates were made prisoners, and three killed; seven wagons, loaded with quartermaster and commissary stores, were taken; also, two contrabands, (runaways,) twenty splendid horses, twenty-four mules, twenty-five sabres, twenty-seven army repeaters, and the same number of breech-loading rifles. Our loss was none killed or wounded.

Having learned that a large force was advancing on our rear from Centreville, we then commenced a forced march for Warrenton, in order to save the spoils, and had been in camp not more than an hour, when a courier arrived, stating that the enemy were advancing upon Warrenton. Posting the different squadrons in the most advantageous positions beyond the town, with two pieces, (twelve-pounders,) under command of Lieut. Betts, drawn up on a hill, to the extreme left, a determined stand was resolved upon. Scarcely had these dispositions been made when a small body of cavalry, supposed to be the advance-guard, was discovered advancing up to the turnpike, about three quarters of a mile distant.

Lieut. Betts was ordered to open on them; and, after several rounds were fired, they concluded to advance no further, but retreated. The cavalry were then ordered to charge, but night coming on they were prevented from following up the retreat to a very great distance. Their force is reported by citizens who saw them, at fifteen hundred cavalry and six pieces of artillery. Their loss in the skirmish beyond the town was one killed and six wounded. Our loss none.

Captain Randolph of company H, also Lieut. Tidwell, of company A, Lieut. Baker, of company D, and Lieut. Betts, of the artillery, conducted themselves most gallantly throughout the whole affair.