the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and the artillery were the only portion of my command much exposed to the enemy's fire. One man of Lieutenant Rundell's command was thrown down by a shell striking at his feet, but was unhurt. All without exception behaved well. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Col. J. H. TAYLOR, O. O. HOWARD, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff: P. S.-The enemy's force a part of two brigades, about 5,000 strong, cavalry included. One man of Hazzard's battery and three of the Sixty-first New York Regiment were wounded by accident, not mortally. O. O. HOWARD, Brigadier-General. [Inclosure.] Major Connor's memorandum. First, Rappahannock bridge burned (four-span bridge). One pier blown up; two stone piers left. It was a Howe truss bridge. Depot buildings of the station near Rappahannock River burned. Six miles this side of the Rappahannock a small three-span bridge burned (22-foot-span). Seven miles this side the Rappahannock a small bridge and about a quarter of a mile of the railroad destroyed. From this point to Rappahannock River railroad in running order, with the above exception. From 8 miles this side the Rappahannock River the railroad track and bridges are all destroyed to Warrenton Junction; track torn up, ties burned, and iron carried off. No. 2. Report of Lieut. Marshall H. Rundell, Battery G, First New York Light Artillery. CAMP RICHARDSON'S DIVISION, Warrenton Junction, March 29, 1862. CAPTAIN: Having been instructed to report to you yesterday morning with a section of 10-pounder Parrott rifled guns, pertaining to Frank's light battery G, First New York Artillery, I accordingly started at 10 o'clock a. m. yesterday, and took my place in the advance guard, composed of the Fifth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, Colonel Cross, and one squadron of the Eighth Regiment of Illinois Cavalry, Colonel Farnsworth. After marching about 2 miles I fired one shell at a vedette of the enemy's cavalry. About 1 miles farther I found a battalion of the enemy's infantry formed in line of battle and fired two shells, which had the effect of immediately dispersing them. Without changing position, threw four shells into some buildings to the left of the infantry, under the impression of dislodging a hidden enemy. Moving the section upon the ground previously occupied by the enemy's infantry, I directed two shells into the corner of a wood to the right and in a line with the railroad, and likewise three to the left at a small body of cavalry. Next to this I shelled some cavalry nearly 2 miles from the depot and to the right. Having been ordered to the front along the line of the railroad, I shelled another depot and fired into a train. Half a mile farther to the front and right shelled another detachment of cavalry. Moving again to the front, dislodged some of the enemy from a small intrenchment. At this place two pieces of the enemy's artillery opened fire upon us. After moving to the right and front, and sheltering my limbers and caissons behind a building, I opened fire, with the effect of silencing the enemy's artillery. This closes the proceedings of my section of artillery during the 28th instant; having expended 35 shells, 14 spherical-case, and 2 percussion shells; total, 51 rounds. The fire of my guns, with few excep tions, seemed to be very effective. I returned from this reconnaissance at about 1 o'clock p. m. to-day. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, First Lieutenant Company G, First New York Artillery. Capt. F. SEWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Howard's Brigade. No. 3. Report of Brig. Gen. James E. B. Stuart, C. S. Army. HDQRS. CAVALRY BRIGADE, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the troops under my command for the last few days: After keeping the enemy under close observation for weeks past by my cavalry pickets, disposed along a front reaching from the Blue Ridge to the close vicinity of the Potomac, frequently penetrating, by the daring boldness of a few scouts, to his rear, it was ascertained that on the 26th [28th] a large column was advancing along the general direction of the railroad 7 miles below. Col. W. E. Jones, First* Virginia Cavalry, was sent with a strong detachment of cavalry to observe the enemy, and his reports from time to time satisfied me that a movement with a force vastly superior to my own was going on. Although having no intention of offering him battle, I determined to keep him observed, threaten him with demonstrations toward his flanks and in front, and by every possible means delay his progress and secure accurate information of his strength and, if possible, his designs. The utmost vigilance was maintained by the cavalry intrusted with this important duty, and is worthy of the highest praise. Several prisoners were taken that evening, from whom, as well as the observation made by Captain Gaither, whose scouting party first ascertained the movement, I knew that not less than a division composed the force; believed it to be a mere demonstration or reconnaissance, and determined to put on a bold front, and did everything to check its progress compatible with the safety of my command, communicating frequently and fully with the general-in-chief of this army my *There is confusion in the records as to Jones' status. He appears as colonel of the First, Seventh, and Eleventh Regiments Virginia Cavalry. impressions of the character of the movement as well as every step of its progress. There was a long and unnecessary delay at Cedar Run, improved by the enemy, confronted by about 50 cavalry, in making a grand display, apparently of his entire force, in battle array on the opposite side of Cedar Run, while an extensive line of skirmishers and a battery of ar tillery exchanged shots with a few of Captain Blackford's company, First Virginia Cavalry, dismounted, with Sharps carbines. It was ascertained here that they had a large wagon train, which was very ostentatiously paraded to view. A careful estimate of the force was made from the favorable opportunity this afforded, and Captain Blackford, on duty at the time, set it at 10,000. I believe, therefore, that to be the maximum; but to know whether supporting columns were in rear became of the utmost importance, and I that night, as I wrote to the general, selected Principal Musician David Drake to head a small party of observation to reach the railroad in rear of the enemy's position and report before morning. The officer to whom I specially intrusted starting Drake (Colonel Jones) forgot to deliver my message, consequently the party failed to start until next morning. The enemy failed to make any move till 11.30 a. m. the next day, at which time their column was observed in motion along the line of the railroad and marched steadily upon Bealeton Station, where my reserves of cavalry and 300 infantry were then located. I made dispositions for defense, determined not to leave till his approach was so near as to make his intention to march to that point unmistakable. From the open ground about Bealeton I commanded a fine view of the column advancing slowly, but steadily, using a caution very characteristic of the enemy, and which greatly facilitated a close observation of his movements, which opportunity I did not fail to improve. When within about a mile of Bealeton they formed line of battle, and having delayed there as much as practicable by a show of resistance, I dispatched the infantry first slowly to the rear and kept part of the cavalry menacing his front, sending Colonel Robertson on the right and Colonel Jones on the left to threaten the enemy's flanks, with orders to carry it as far as compatible with safety, and then retire diagonally toward the railroad bridge. Time was thus given the infantry to retire 4 miles with perfect regularity, even slowness, and to join their respective regiments, under General Ewell, fresh for combat, instead of jaded and panic-stricken. Upon arriving near the bridge, to gain additional time to remove some cars of stores, I ordered Captain Blackford to dismount a few of his men and take post in advance to check the enemy's advance, and I also stationed my own battle-flag so as to show above the crest of the ridge, to represent a regiment. Some half a dozen men thus held the advance of the enemy, with infantry, cavalry, and artillery, at bay till all the stores were removed. My cavalry, having forded the river, were directed by me to extend General Ewell's lines in line, and subsequently I acted under orders of General Ewell. The scout I sent to the enemy's rear returned next morning while the enemy's skirmishers were reported still in view opposite us, and reported that the wagon train was on its way back the day before beyond Warrenton Junction. Believing the enemy to be already in retreat, I ordered all the cavalry to horse and proceeded immediately to follow in pursuit. Colonel Jones, First Virginia Cavalry, led the way and pressed the pursuit with great vigor and success-capturing about 25 officers and men, mostly cavalry, and wounding several-to the near vicinity of Warrenton Junction, where the enemy was encamped for the night. The other regiments were too slow in their movements to participate in the captures made. I came up with Colonel Jones near Warrenton Junction, near which point three or four of my men of my escort captured four of the enemy. Colonel Jones' report is herewith inclosed, including the operations of his regiment since leaving Centreville. It is proper to remark that the Second, Fourth, and Sixth Virginia Cavalry shared cheerfully the privations detailed in Colonel Jones' report and performed important service in their appropriate spheres of action. The detachment (four companies) of [the] Second Virginia Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Munford, has performed distinguished service along the Piedmont region, and I commend to the notice of the general that officer's activity, good judgment, and unceasing vigilance, conspicuously displayed in the signal service he has rendered. Col. W. E. Jones' excellent service speaks for itself in his accompanying report, while Company L (Washington County Rifles), of his regiment, under the lead of the brave, intelligent, and efficient Capt. W. W. Blackford, distinguished itself no less in the bush than in the saddle, harassing the enemy at every step. It is not a mere matter of form that impels me to acknowledge the valuable services of my staff throughout the operations of my command since leaving Centreville: Maj. Dabney Ball, useful in every sphere, displayed on the field of the Rappahannock the dashing boldness of the huzzar, tempered with the cool judgment of the veteran warrior. I am greatly indebted to Lieut. Chiswell Dabney, aide, and Lieut. J. T. W. Hairston, C. S. Army, acting assistant adjutant-general, who displayed signal ability and efficiency on the field. Lieuts. Samuel [R.] Johnston and M. W. Henry, C. S. Army; Lieut. Redmond Burke, [and] Captain Towles, volunteer aide, though absent from the action by my authority, in various operations preceding ren. dered valuable service. My escort, commanded by Corpl. Henry Hagan, composed of young men of rare intelligence and ability and intrepidity, showed themselves capable of performing in the bivouac or on the field all the various and important duties of the staff officers. Young Farley has been constantly on hand, showing the utmost courage and coolness and doing unmistak able execution. The casualties to the enemy are not known to [me]. My command, though exposed to artillery fire for half a day, none at all. A list of prisoners has been already forwarded, consisting of about 50 officers and men, mostly cavalry. Adjutant Mosby and Principal Musician David Drake, of the First Virginia Cavalry, volunteered to perform the most hazardous service, and accomplished it in the most satisfactory and creditable manner. They are worthy of promotion and should be so rewarded. Capt. John Pelham, of the Stuart Horse Artillery, while riding alone on his way to join me, came suddenly upon a sturdy veteran, armed with an Enfield gun, took him prisoner, and marched him up to me. The gallant conduct of Private James Oden has already been the subject of a special report. [J. E. B. STUART, Brigadier-General, Commanding.] *Not found. 27 R R-VOL XII APRIL 1-2, 1862.— Advance of Union forces from Strasburg to Woodstock and Edenburg, Va. REPORTS. No. 1.-Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, commanding Fifth Army Corps. No. 2.-Col. George H. Gordon, Second Massachusetts Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, First Division. No. 3.-Capt. George W. Cothran, Battery M, First New York Light Artillery. No. 1. Reports of Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. 8. Army, commanding Fifth Army Corps. EDENBURG, VA., April 1, 1862-6 p. m. We have driven the enemy to-day from Strasburg to Woodstock, a distance of 12 miles, and then to Edenburg, 7 miles beyond. He contested the march most of the way, and at a strong position, in which he contemplated making a stand, as at Edenburg, quite a sharp contest occurred. He burned the bridges in his flight except that at Narrow Passage, which we were enabled to reach in time to extinguish the flames. We lost but one man and had but one wounded. The enemy suffered more, but I cannot state the extent. Colonel Ashby received a shot through his cap, which he exhibited with some satisfaction to the people of Woodstock. Others suffered more severely. The men behaved admirably. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding Fifth Army Corps. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. EDENBURG, April 1, 1862-6 p. m. GENERAL: At noon to-day we occupied Woodstock and at 4 our troops were in possession of Edenburg, 7 miles beyond. The rebels contested the whole march, and at Narrow Passage, a place of considerable strength, where there had been some preparations for a defense, quite a sharp fight occurred, and also at Edenburg, where we attempted to save the bridges. They burned three bridges, one above Woodstock and two at Edenburg. The bridge at Narrow Passage we saved by driving them from the position and extinguishing the flames. The others were beyond our reach. Two of the bridges we shall rebuild at once. Few casualties occurred on our side-Private Martin, Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, who was instantly killed by a shell, and a private of the Second Massachusetts, who suffered a flesh wound in his breast, the ball passing through his breastplate, which saved his life. The loss of the enemy I am not able to state. Colonel Ashby received a shot through his cap, which the people of Woodstock said he exhibited with some satisfaction. Others suffered more severely. The utter exhaustion of our supplies will, I fear, prevent pursuit to-morrow. Jackson has retreated to Mount Jackson. The troops behaved admirably and the march was very vigorous. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. General MCCLELLAN, Fairfax Seminary |