Correspondence.
brilliant charge of the 6th Virginia cavalry.
[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.] Harrisonburg, Va., June 17, 1862.
I observe in the Richmond papers that the credit of the cavalry charge made upon the enemy at Front Royal is given to the 2d Virginia cavalry.
Now, while the 2d is a gallant regiment, yet it is not entitled to the credit given it on this occasion.
The charge was made by the 6th Virginia cavalry, commanded by Lieut. Col. Thos. S. Flournoy.
After the enemy were driven from Front Royal the cavalry were ordered in pursuit, the 6th cavalry being in front.
Four companies of the 6th overtook the enemy about three miles from Front Royal on the turnpike leading to Winchester.
The enemy, comprising three companies of cavalry, two pieces of artillery, and more than a regiment of infantry, had formed to receive the charge.
The 6th charged them, when their cavalry took to immediate flight; but their infantry, the 1st Yankee Maryland regiment made a determined stand, and the conflict for some time was fierce and bloody.
We lost about twenty- five in killed and wounded, the enemy about the same number.
We took about six hundred prisoners.
In killed, wounded, and prisoners, the 1st Yankee Maryland regiment was actually demolished, not more than fifteen escaping.
After the rout was complete, and most of the prisoners captured, others came up and assisted in taking prisoners.
Owing to the difficulty in crossing the bridge at Front Royal, which had been set on fire by the enemy, it was difficult for the cavalry to cross the river, which accounts for so small a portion of the cavalry being in the fight.
There were but four companies in the charge, which were--Capt. Dulany's company, Capt. Grimsley's, Capt. Flournoy's, and the lamented Capt. George Baxter's. Three other companies of the 6th came up in time to follow in the pursuit, viz: Capt. Richards's company.
Capt. Throckmorton's, and Capt. Row's. The rout of the enemy was complete, and this charge of the 6th is considered one of the best cavalry charges that has been made during the present war, and it is due the 6th that it should have the credit of its own deeds.
Justice.