The late affair in Hardy county--Fuller particulars of the capture of the Yankee wagon train.
We have already noticed the capture of a Yankee wagon train by Gen. Rosser's command. This capture was effected on Saturday week at Williamsport, Hardy county, which is on the turnpike between Petersburg and Burlington. A soldier who participated in the affair states that our forces captured one hundred and ten wagons, between 300 and 100 miles, about twenty prisoners, (one of whom is a Yankee Major,) and some 60 head of cattle. The wagons were loaded with coffee, sugar, molasses, pickled pork, and corn, and oats. Sixty-five of the wagons, heavily loaded with the articles above mentioned, were safely brought off. At the time he attacked the train it was guarded by about 800 infantry, who made a slight show of resistance, but were soon driven off to the mountains. In the fight, we lost three killed and eight wounded. Of the killed, one belonged to the 11th Va. cavalry, and two to the 12th Lieut. Howell, of the 7th Va. cavalry, lost an arm. The following official dispatch with reference to the affair was received at the War Department on Saturday.On the 30th ult, Gen. Rosser captured a train of ninety three wagons, loaded with commissary, stores and forage, on the way from New Creek to Petersburg; also, three hundred mules and twenty prisoners. The guard of 800 infantry escaped to the mountains. Our loss was twenty-five killed and wounded. Information of the advance upon Petersburg having been received, the garrison evacuated it during the night. On the 2d instant Gen. Rosser destroyed the bridges over Patterson's Creek and north branch of the Potomac and canal, and captured forty prisoners. Two hundred and seventy prisoners, fifty wagons and teams, twelve hundred cattle, and five hundred sheep, have been brought off. Gen. Rosser has shown great energy and skill, and his command deserves great credit.
(Signed) R. E. Lee.
