rott gun and my heavy twelve-pound boat howit-pecial mention of Acting Master Mate Jannin, of zer on the prize steamer Dan, and on the morn- the Rachel Seaman, and Second Assistant Engiing of the fifteenth, with the schooner Velocity neer O'Connor, of this ship, both of whom I rein tow, carrying the Kensington's thirty-pound Parrott, I started to attack the enemy.

As soon as we came within range with the Parrott, we opened on them with shell, to draw their fire, if they had any heavy artillery; but they did not reply, and we continued the fire, nearing them rapidly until our boat howitzer, with two-second shrapnel, had them nicely in range, when the schooner grounded. A very few rounds gave the exact elevation, when the enemy broke and fled in confusion toward the cavalry and a train of cars which had in the mean time arrived from Beaumont with reën-portant and efficient aid on all occasions, while forcements.

Doc. 9.

REPORT OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SACKETT.

would knit one strong pair of either thick cotton or woollen socks for the army, they would be abundantly supplied. A great lot of blankets also GENERAL STAHEL'S RECONNOISSANCE. might yet be spared from private use, and thousands could be made from the carpets upon our parlor-floors. With good warm houses and cotton bed-clothing, we can certainly get through the winter much better than the soldiers can, with all the blankets we can give them.

The colonels of militia regiments throughout the State are hereby appointed agents for the purchase and collection of all such articles as can be spared by our people, who, through their respective captains, are ordered immediately to canvass every county and visit every citizen in their beats for this purpose. A liberal price will be paid for every thing where the owner feels that he or she is not able to donate it, and active agents will immediately forward them to our suffering regiments. Expenses will be allowed the officers engaged in this duty, and transportation furnished the colonels or their agents to bring the articles to Raleigh.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH NEW-YORK CAVALRY,
CENTREVILLE, VA., October 19, 1862.

Brigadier-General Stahel, Commanding First
Division Eleventh Army Corps:

SIR: In accordance with orders received from headquarters First division at ten o'clock A.M., October fifteenth, I marched to Chantilly, and sent a patrol under Capt. Ayres through Frying Pan toward Leesburgh. I then advanced with my main force on Little River turnpike to Green Springs Cross-Roads, and sent Captain Hanley to Aldie to join the picket who had sent for reënforcements. As per order, I remained here in command of the Ninth New-York and First NewJersey cavalry until the morning of the sixteenth instant. At one o'clock A.M., Captain Ayres returned with his detachment, having patrolled the country thoroughly to within three miles of LeesAnd now, my countrymen and women, if you burgh, but found nothing of the enemy. About have any thing to spare for the soldier, in his nine o'clock on the morning of the sixteenth inname I appeal to you for it. Do not let the spec- stant, I proceeded toward Aldie, and when near ulator have it, though he offer you enormous there I threw out patrols and pickets in the difprices; spurn him from your door, and say to him ferent roads, and a detachment, under Lieutenant that our brave defenders have need for it, and Burrows, to Middleburgh, and a detachment, unshall have it without passing through his greedy der Capt. Hanley, five miles out on the Winchesfingers. Do not place yourselves among the ex- ter turnpike, where they remained until the morntortioners-they are the vilest and most cowardly ing of the seventeenth instant, while I staid with of all our country's enemies; and when this war the main force at Aldie. During the night Capis ended, and people come to view the matter in tain Hanley came upon a small party of the enits proper light, you will find that the most de-emy and captured one of them-his horse having tested tories are more respected than they. When they tempt you with higher prices than the State On the morning of the seventeenth instant, in offers, just think for a moment of the soldier, and accordance with orders received from yourself, I what he is doing for you. Remember, when you sent a detachment of the Sixth Ohio cavalry, sit down by the bright and glowing fire, that the which had joined me the night before, with orders soldier is sitting upon the cold earth; that in the to go to Gainesville, push on to New-Baltimore, wind which is whistling so fearfully over your patrol to Thoroughfare Gap, keep up communiroof, only making you feel the more comfortable cation with the (White) Plains, where you would because it harms you not, he is shivering in dark-be with your command; and having sent out ness on the dangerous outpost, or shuddering through the dreary hours of his watch. Remember that when you come forth in the morning well fed and warmly clad, leading your families toward the spot where the blessed music of the Sabbath bells tells you of the peaceful worship of the God of peace, the soldier is going forth at the same moment, perhaps, half fed, after a night of shivering and suffering, to where the roar of artillery and shout of battle arnounce that he is to die that your peace and safety may be preserved. Oh! remember these things, generous and patriotic people of North-Carolina, and give freely of your perishable goods to those who are giving all that mortal man can give for your safety and your rights.

RALEIGH, October 15, 1862.

A. B. VANCE.

been shot under him.

Capt. Hanley on an expedition, I then proceeded through Middleburgh toward Paris, having thrown a detachment, under Lieutenant Dickson, forward through Upperville toward Paris, who succeeded in driving in the enemy's pickets and capturing one trooper, with his horse, etc. At Rector's Cross-Roads I turned to the left, and marched to Rector; on the road, captured and paroled two confederate soldiers. I then marched to Salem; on the road, overtook a funeral procession, with three of Stuart's cavalry in full uniform as mourners. Upon their word of honor not to try to escape, I allowed them to pass unmolested to Salem, where part of my command would be. I charged the town of Salem, and captured four rebel cavalrymen, horses, etc.; threw my patrols out on all the roads, and paroled about sixty of the enemy's sick and stragglers.

I here sent a detachment under Sergeant Strong to the Plains, with orders to send a patrol on to and through Thoroughfare Gap. The funeral procession, which I overtook on the road, being

now on their way home, I took prisoners the
Staid here until
cavalrymen who were with it.
nine or ten o'clock P.M., when, upon the passage
of yourself and main body through the town
toward White Plains, I withdrew my pickets and
followed as a rear-guard. Having arrived at White
Plains about one o'clock A.M., could find or hear
nothing of the detachment of Sixth Ohio cavalry
who were ordered to keep up communication with
this place. I encamped for the night with the
rest of the force.

25

For this purpose a force of cavalry his forces. under Col. Wyndham of the New-Jersey cavalry, was sent out by General Bayard at the request of General Sigel, to be joined to our cavalry, which had been advanced to Chantilly. The force under Colonel Wyndham reached Fairfax Wednesday night, and immediately proceeded to Chantilly, where they were to await orders from General Stahel. Encamping at this place, they were joined in the morning by Gen. Stahel, and the order was at once given to march. The force On the morning of the eighteenth, I received comprised cavalry and a battery of light artillery. information that our train, with an escort of thirty Reaching the cross-roads near Gum Springs, they men from my regiment, had been captured, and waited awhile to call in the pickets which had that our pickets at Thoroughfare Gap were driven been stationed along the roads, and then proin, and one of my men shot. Our whole force ceeded toward Aldie, which place they entered marching through Thoroughfare Gap, Haymarket, about five o'clock Thursday afternoon. Passing and Gainesville, toward Warrenton, I followed as through the town they took position on a hill berear-guard, patrolling all the roads thoroughly. yond, and then sent scouts in every direction to A detachment under Lieut. Burrows ran into the ascertain the whereabouts of Mr. Stuart, who was The enemy's pickets on the New-Baltimore road, run- supposed to be between the mountains. ning from the west side of Thoroughfare Gap. scouts visited Snickersville, Middleburgh, PhiloArriving at Gainesville, I was ordered to hold that mont, Salem, Paris, and other places in the valley, place while the main force advanced toward War- and brought back tidings that, learning of our renton, which I did. The force that went toward advance, Gen. Stuart had accelerated his moveWarrenton having returned about eight or nine ments and passed out of the valley by the way o'clock P.M., I withdrew my pickets, and again of Snickersville, a portion of his force going followed as rear-guard, and arrived at Centreville through Ashby's Gap. A body of rebels had about midnight. Having arrived at Centreville, been sent to his support, thus indicating that the I found that Lieutenant Baldwin, of my regiment, rebels were fearful of his being cut off. The bird with a detachment of thirty-two men ordered from having flown, and Gen. Stahel being unwilling to headquarters Sixth Ohio cavalry (Col. Loyd) to come home without effecting something, he conescort a train to Haymarket, or from there to the cluded to go round by way of Warrenton, where detachment under Gen. Stahel-that they reached it was known the enemy had something of a Haymarket - that while there, about daylight, force, and ascertain their strength. Sending one of his videttes, posted in his rear toward Cen-home four of his six pieces of artillery, and treville, reported a large body of cavalry coming; the Lieutenant replied, It is probably our own troops," but ordered his men to mount, and sent a sergeant to investigate. The sergeant proceeded, and as he arrived at the top of a hill but a short distance from the camp, saw the enemy before him six or seven hundred strong. The enemy immediately charged after him and down through the camp. The Lieutenant ordered his men to retreat toward White Plains, where Gen. Stahel then was, but through the superiority of the enemy's numbers and horses but nine men, that I know of, escaped, two of them badly wounded. I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient WM. SACKETT, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Ninth New-York Cavalry.

servant,

66

NEW-YORK "TRIBUNE" ACCOUNT.

FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, October 19, 1862. When it became known that Gen. Stuart with his rebel cavalry had crossed the Potomac, near Leesburgh, the reconnoissance, of which particulars have been telegraphed, was sent out to ascertain his whereabouts and the condition of his troops. The report was that he had left Lees burgh Monday afternoon, proceeding toward Winchester, that his troops were broken down and his horses worn out, and his progress must naturally be slow. It was therefore determined to attempt the capture of the whole or a part of

dividing his troops into two parties, he sent one,
under Lieut.-Col. Sackett, to Snickersville, with
instructions to proceed to Leesburgh, and thence
return to Chantilly. This portion of the expedi-
tion followed the plan laid out for it, and made
the route as described without meeting any adven-
tures of note. The rebel pickets were driven in
at all points, but no more serious fighting oc-
curred. Taking the remainder of the force, Gen.
Stahel proceeded to Upperville and Paris, where
it was understood there was a body of rebels
There they learned that
awaiting an attack.
Capt. Gibson, with a company of secesh cavalry,
was posted in the mountain with one piece of
artillery, which they fired upon the approach of
our forces, and retreated through Ashby's Gap.
They also ascertained that at Millwood, on the
other side of the mountains, there was a park of
artillery encamped.

From prisoners captured they obtained the information that in consequence of this advance it was supposed that Sigel's corps was on the march to attack them in the flank, and, therefore, Gen. Hill's division was moved down to meet them. Being again balked in his attempts to indulge in a fight, Gen. Stahel marched back to White Plains by way of Salem. At this place one or two curious incidents occurred. One was the capture of three of the Virginia cavalry at a funeral. The sudden entrance of our troopers into

town surprised a funeral procession on its way of Gen. Sigel's staff, whose presence as a volunto the grave. Conspicuous among the mourners teer should have been noticed, to hurry forward were three rebel cavalrymen belonging to the the artillery, Gen. Stahel dashed on for the Gap. Virginia cavalry. A guard was placed alongside True enough, our men had retired, and there the funeral train, doing double duty as escort and were the rebels posted at the Gap, their gun-barguard. After the rite of sepulture had been per-rels glistening in the narrow pass. Without hesformed, the Virginia gentlemen were invited to itation, the General ordered a charge. The cavaccompany their escort, which they did. At this alry wavered-their "horses had given out," they place Gen. Stahel came very near being captured said. Calling them cowards-as they were-the by--a garrulous old lady, whose intentions (the General drew his sabre, struck spurs to his horse, obtaining of a pass) prompted attentions (a pro- and, dashing forward into the Gap, bade them fusion of compliments classically (?) known as "follow" him. Even cowards could not refuse "soft soap") which on ordinary occasions would to follow one brave man; the charge was made, have excited the well-known gallantry of the and the pass won. The rebels fired two volleys, General, but under the pressure of the business wounding several and killing one man, and then then in hand were allowed to pass unheeded by retreated. Without a moment's delay, the Genhim, and fell among his staff, to whom they af- eral and his men followed them, driving them forded rare amusement. On reaching White down the mountain and back upon their artillery, Plains, Gen. Stahel at once sent a force of fifty which, fortunately, had not reached the Gap. men to hold Thoroughfare Gap, and an additional Meanwhile Captain Dahlgren had been hastening fifty to proceed to Haymarket, at which place on with the artillery. As they entered the rough they were to meet a small wagon-train bearing road through the gap at a full gallop, one of the supplies and forage, which had been sent out caissons was broken in halves. Fortunately they from Fairfax that evening. The latter body pro- found a caisson, which had been left by the rebels, ceeded to Haymarket, and there found the train. near at hand and filled with ammunition. To The officer in charge said they did not need any destroy the old one and attach the other was but more escort, as his force was amply sufficient. the work of a minute, and then commenced a Therefore the fifty returned to Thoroughfare Gap, close pursuit. The enemy retreated, firing upon at which place they were to remain in reserve, us at every chance, while our advance kept close sending word back to White Plains of the safety upon them. Thus they were driven from the of the train. The troops bivouacked at White Gap to Haymarket, thence to Gainesville, thence Plains, and soon another messenger came in, to New-Baltimore, from which place they retreatbringing tidings that the wagon-train and its es-ed to Warrenton. As there are two roads from cort had been captured, and that the enemy, four hundred strong, with two pieces of artillery, were advancing on Thoroughfare Gap. Tired as his men and horses were, delay was more than dangerous, and the possession of the Gap all-important. An immediate advance was ordered, the General heading the column in person.

New-Baltimore to Warrenton, and there was dan ger of the enemy leading us on by one, and then coming out of the town upon the other, attacking the rear, Gen. Stahel posted his artillery upon one road, and, leaving sufficient force to support it, rode into Warrenton. Reaching the outskirts of the town at about five o'clock, it was found In relation to the capture of the train, it turned that there was a considerable force stationed there out that the wagons reached Haymarket in safety -a brigade of cavalry, (Mumford's North-Carolina about daylight, where the officer in command brigade,) a regiment of infantry, and a battery, left them standing in the street while he and his The camp was the other side of the town, and men went into the houses to obtain breakfast. toward that the retreating four hundred made. While engaged at their repast, intelligence was Their guns opened upon our advance, and under brought in by the pickets that the rebels were their cover the infantry was sent forward as advancing. The officer laughed at the man, and skirmishers. Major Knox was ordered to hold said it was our own cavalry. But shortly after the road and check any advance. Presently a the officer's meal was interrupted by the intru- company of cavalry came dashing down the hill sion of uninvited guests in the garb of rebel cav- on the full charge. Major Knox wheeled his alry, and thus he lost his train, escort, and lib-dozen men into line across the road, and as the erty. There was ample time between the alarm cavalry came in short-range gave them a volley and the arrival of the rebels, to have sent to from the carbines. This checked the ardor of Thoroughfare Gap and obtained the assistance of the force there. There was time to have started the wagons toward that place, and with the aid at hand they could have been saved. But nothing of the kind was done, and the expedition was subsequently obliged to return in consequence of the culpable neglect of this officer.

Before reaching the Gap, intelligence was brought to General Stahel that the force left there to defend it had withdrawn, and the enemy were in possession of the Gap, having with them two pieces of artillery. Instructing Captain Dahlgren

secesh, and they retired. Finding it to be an impossibility to dislodge the rebel infantry with the force at his disposal, and as his men and horses were both tired and hungry, the General continued the skirmishing until darkness settled down, and then withdrew his troops to Centreville, the enemy's cavalry following for some distance.

While at Aldie, a noted bushwacker, named Edward Hutchinson, was captured just beyond that town and brought in. This man brags of how many Yankees he has killed, and is so much of a brute that even the secesh inhabitants of

Aldie hoped he would be hung. He has been the known as a spy in the vicinity of Washington, terror of the neighborhood, driving in conscripts, and father of the rebel captain of the same name. beating his wife, and indulging in other disagreeable pleasantries. It is to be hoped he will meet with the punishment he deserves. At Aldie, headquarters were established at the house of Doctor Boyle. The Doctor unfortunately forgot his duty as host, and abused good Union people who were "mean enough to give information as to the whereabouts of General Stuart," adding the pious wish that they might "all be hung." It was deemed proper that the Doctor should try a change of climate for his malady, and he was therefore prescribed for by General Stahel.