Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 9.
Frank Moore, Ed.

At daylight, on the ninth, the cavalry proceeded above Turkey Island Creek, with a view to establish a line of cavalry outposts from the vicinity of Shirley, across by Nance's shop to the Chickahominy. On the tenth, a portion of the cavalry was left on this duty, and the remainder, by the direction of the commanding General, marched to a reserve camp.

I regret that the very extended field of operations of the cavalry has made this report necessarily long. During the whole period it will be observed that my command was in contact with the enemy. No opportunity occurred, however, for an overwhelming charge, a circumstance resulting, first, from the nature of the positions successively taken by the enemy, in woods, or behind swamps or ditches — he taking care to change position under cover of night, the distance being so short, only fifteen miles, as to be marched in one night. Added to this was the uncertainty whether the enemy would attempt the passage of the Chickahominy where I awaited him, or, under cover of a demonstration toward Chaffin's Bluff, he would gain the James. The country being obscurely wooded and swampy, his facilities for effecting the latter were great. The portion of the cavalry operating under my instructions on the Richmond side of the Chickahominy, was under command, at first, of Colonel Rosser, and afterward of Colonel L. S. Baker, first North Carolina cavalry. The latter made a gallant charge, on the thirtieth ultimo, at Willis's Church, with his and a portion of Colonel Goode's command, but were repulsed, with small loss. Their reports, enclosed, will give particulars of their operations. Major Crumpler was mortally wounded, and Captain Ruffin taken prisoner. For other casualties you are respectfully referred to Colonel Baker's report. During the series of engagements in which the portion of the brigade with me participated, very few casualties occurred, notwithstanding frequent exposure to the enemy's fire. During the whole period, the officers and men exhibited that devotion to duty, thorough discipline, and efficiency, which characterizes regular troops, and claims, at my hands, the highest measure of praise and grateful acknowledgment.

Colonels T. R. R. Cobb, Fitz Lee, W. H. F. Lee, and Lieutenant-Colonel W. T. Martin, under my immediate command, were frequently, in turn, intrusted with distinct, isolated commands, and displayed that zeal and ability which entitle them to favorable notice, and give evidence of capacity for higher trust.

Captain John Pelham, of the horse artillery, displayed such signal ability as an artillerist, such heroic example and devotion in danger, and indomitable energy under difficulties, in the movement of his battery, that, reluctant as I am at the chance of losing such a valuable limb from the brigade, I feel bound to ask for his promotion, with the remark that, in either cavalry or artillery, no field grade is too high for his merit and capacity. The officers and men of that battery emulated the example of their Captain, and did justice to a reputation already won.

Captain William W. Blackford, of the engineers, assigned to duty with me the day before the battles, was always in advance, obtaining valuable information of the enemy's strength, movements, and position, locating routes and making hurried topographical sketches. He is bold in reconnoissance, fearless in danger, and remarkably cool and correct in judgment. His services are invaluable to the advance guard of an army. Captain J. Hardeman Stuart, signal corps, was particularly active and fearless in the transmission of orders at Cold Harbor, and deserves my special thanks for his gallant conduct. Captain Norman Fitzhugh, A. A. G., chief of staff, though but recently promoted from the ranks, gave evidence of those rare qualities, united with personal gallantry, which constitute a capable and efficient Adjutant-General. Captain Heros Von Borcke, A. A. G., was ever present, fearless, and untiring in the zealous discharge of the duties assigned him.

Major Samuel Hardin Hairstone, Q. M., and Major Dabney Ball, C. S., were prevented by their duties of office from participating in the dangers of the conflict, but are entitled to my thanks for the thorough discharge of their duties.

The following officers, attached to my staff, deserve honorable mention in this report for their valuable services; Captain Redmond Burke, Lieutenant John Esten Cooke, ordnance officer; Lieutenant J. S. W. Hairstone, C. S. A.; Lieutenant James R. Christian, Third Virginia cavalry; Lieutenant Chiswell Dabney, Aid; volunteer Aids Captain W. D. Farley and W. E. Towles — they having contributed their full share to whatever success was achieved by the brigade.

My escort did good service. Private Frank Stringfellow, Fourth Virginia cavalry, was particularly conspicuous for gallantry and efficiency at Cold Harbor. The majority of the Hanover company, (G,) Fourth Virginia cavalry, possessing invaluable merits as guides, were distributed as such among the various generals.

First Lieutenant D. A. Timberlake accompanied me, and from his intimate acquaintance with the country, as well as his personal bravery, was an indispensable aid to my march. His deeds of individual prowess in Hanover place him high among partisan warriors, and enabled us to know exactly the enemy's position and strength near Atlee's Station.

Accompanying this report, I have the honor to submit a map, drawn by Captain Blackford, corps of engineers, of the region of country traversed by the cavalry, showing the extent of its operations, and exhibiting the various engagements in which the cavalry took part; also--

Report A, Colonel T. R. R. Cobb, Georgia legion cavalry.

Report B, Colonel L. S. Baker, First North Carolina cavalry.

Report C, Lieutenant-Colonel W. T. Martin, Jeff Davis legion.