[1052]
and a strong force of troops brought down by the York River Railroad, by which large accessions were still arriving.
The darkness prevented an attack till morning, when a detachment of the New York Mounted Rifles, under Major Wheelan, made a gallant but unsuccessful charge on the bridge by the only approach — a long causeway flanked on either hand by an impassable marsh.
The enemy opened with canister, first checking and then repulsing the charge, with a loss to us of nine killed and wounded and ten horses killed.
All our men were subsequently brought off, as well as the saddles and equipments.
The river was reconnoitred both above and below for some miles, but at every possible crossing the enemy was found in force with newly placed obstructions.
Our infantry had marched, on the 6th, thirty-three miles, arriving at New Kent Court-House at 2 A. M. on the 7th.
It is the obvious fact that a small force in this vicinity, actively handled, can and should hold a much superior force of the enemy in the immediate vicinity of Richmond inactive except for its defence.
I have the honor to be, Major, with great respect, your obedient servant,
headquarters Department of Virginia and North Carolina, Fortress Monroe, Feb. 12, 1864.
Report approved.
The operation was skilfully and brilliantly done.
It gives the commanding general renewed confidence in General Wistar as a commander of a division. Benj. F. Butler, Major-General Commanding.
[no. 17. see page 636.]
It is the intention to operate up the James River as far as City Point, and all the co-operation the navy can give, we want. Two of the iron-clads are wanted as soon as they can be got. . . .
Gillmore will join Butler with about ten thousand men from South Carolina.
Butler can reduce his garrison so as to take twenty-three thousand men into the field directly to his front.
The force will be commanded by Maj.-Gen. W. F. Smith.
With Smith and Gillmore, Butler will seize
