[459]
We had now advanced through an open space about a mile and a half from the river — as we moved, forming, charging to the right and left, and taking numerous prisoners, until the outskirts of a wood were reached.
General Averill here again arranged the regiments in line of battle, the First regulars being posted as reserves.
Our men moved through the woods steadily and rapidly, firing as they went.
Another open space was reached, and found to be full of skirmishers.
The firing now became very brisk, the enemy for the first time opening on us with artillery, of which they had twelve pieces.
Their solid shot and shell fell thick and fast among our men, but they pressed on, inspired by the success already won, and led forward by their officers.
After so many brilliant and profitable dashes on our part, the rebels thought it well to attempt again something in that line themselves, and charged.
They ran against the Third Pennsylvania cavalry, which broke them instantly.
From the time of crossing the river till now there had been many personal encounters: single horsemen dashing at each other with full speed, and cutting and slashing with their sabres until one or the other was disabled.
The wounds received by both friend and foe in these single combats were frightful, such as I trust never to see again.
We continued to drive the rebels before us, they skirmishing and using their artillery as they retreated.
Our boys had now been fighting several hours, but regardless of themselves, pursued their mission of keeping the rebels travelling, and did it effectually.
When we had chased them six miles from the river, Gen. Averill decided to return, as our artillery ammunition was nearly exhausted, and we had come upon a strong rebel position, with rifle-pits and intrenchments.
Detachments of cavalry were deployed in front of the battery, in such a manner as to prevent its withdrawal being seen, and the whole force commenced its return march.
Captain Reno, with a portion of his command, covered the rear.
As soon as the rebels discovered our retrograde movement, they opened a heavy fire of artillery, and followed in pursuit, but at a respectful distance, and without a desire to try more charges.
The morale and esprit of our men were excellent, and it was with difficulty that many of them could be persuaded to return.
They had run the rebels six miles, and wanted to keep on to Culpeper.
Capt. Hunt, with three squadrons of the First regiment, assisted by Lieuts. Bigelow and Sandford, did good service supporting the battery.
On the return, at one time this command was in danger of being annihilated.
The men were stationed to the left of the battery, within easy supporting distance, ready to charge upon the rebels, should they attempt to take it. No sooner, however, had our guns ceased firing, from want of ammunition, than the rebels turned their fire upon the supporting cavalry, keeping it up for a long period, and making sad havoc among the horses.
The cavalry could not leave their position, for the guns would have been lost.
They succeeded, however, in bringing the pieces away.
The command reached the river about sunset, and recrossed.
Our loss is nine killed, thirty-five wounded, and forty taken prisoners. We killed and wounded a large number of the enemy, and brought away sixty prisoners.
Lieut. Dimmock, of the Fourth New-York cavalry, is mortally wounded.
He behaved most gallantly.
Adjt-Gen. Bowditch, of General Duffie's staff, was struck over the head with a sabre, and received a pistol-shot in the groin.
Major Chamberlain, Acting Aid-de-Camp to General Averill, was wounded in the nose and cheek.
Among the rebel officers taken was Major Breckenridge, of the First Virginia cavalry.
The prisoners are a sorry-looking set.
--N. Y. Times.
Another account.
Falmouth, Va., March 18, 1868.
Your special correspondent, who accompanied General Averill's cavalry expedition, has just returned, having left Kelly's Ford this morning at daylight.
The expedition was a complete success.
Gen. Averill, with detachments from several of his regiments, and one battery of artillery, left camp, on Monday morning, to reconnoitre the Rappahannock River, up to the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, with instructions to cross, and proceed in the direction of Culpeper, and wake up Fitz-Hugh Lee's cavalry, who were reported to be in that direction.
The force reached Morrisville, eighteen miles out, during the afternoon, when a portion of the advance-guard proceeded direct to Kelly's Ford, twenty-five miles above Falmouth, and dispersing a small body of the enemy near the ford, and discovering that it was guarded by dismounted cavalry pickets on the opposite side.
During the night, a force under Lieut.-Colonel Curtis, of the First Massachusetts cavalry, was detailed to advance toward the railroad, at Bealeton Station, and to Elk Run, in the direction of Warrenton.
At three A. M., yesterday, the forces advanced, Col. Curtis as above indicated, and Gen. Averill with the main force, toward Kelly's Ford.
Arriving at the ford shortly after daylight, the advanceguard found it well defended by dismounted cavalry sharp-shooters, concealed in houses, and behind trees and fences.
The approaches to the ford on both sides, were rendered impassable by strong abattis, while the water was over four feet deep.
After several attempts to cross, under a hot fire, a platoon from the First Rhode Island cavalry, led by Lieutenant Brown, dashed into the stream, followed by the axe-men, who soon removed the abattis.
The gallant fellows were met by volleys of bullets, but so sudden and surprising was the movement, that twenty-five of the rebels were captured before they could get away.
The force immediately followed, and the artillery was taken over, with the ammunition in the 