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man, who sent a ball into the Colonel's hat, per- ant Hill. Eight miles out, a small party of the forating the crown and lifting it from his head. enemy, fifteen or twenty in number, were seen, An orderly dismounted and handed the Colonel who fled precipitately. From the bridge, scouthis hat, who was saluted by three rousing cheersing-parties were sent out, who touched their from the men of his command who observed his coolness and gallantry.

Captain Becker, of the Second New-York veterans, was shot through the neck Saturday morning, but vaulted into his saddle after his wound was dressed, and remained with his command during the entire day.

The rebels made seven distinct charges on General Dwight's line, which held the extreme right; the One Hundred and Fourteenth, One Hundred and Sixteenth, and One Hundred and Fifty-third New-York volunteers maintained their ground manfully, and repulsed the enemy most gloriously.

The Eighty-ninth Indiana regiment recaptured two batteries.

The Thirty-fifth Iowa repelled three charges. The Colonel of the Thirty-third Missouri was wounded.

The rebel General Scurry, commanding McCulloch's old Texas brigade, was slightly wounded; Major Muller, Seventeenth Texas rebel infantry, was killed.

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pickets, but discovered no indications of the en-
emy in force.
One of these scouting-parties, led
by Lieutenant E. V. Hitch, Assistant Adjutant-
General of the brigade, was fired at by the rebel
pickets. Lieutenant Hitch received a slight wound
in his arm, and leaves for New-Orleans to-day.

Our troops are in excellent spirits and anxious for another advance. They can whip the enemy in any stand-up fight, unless a much superior force is encountered, of which there is no fear whatever.

The repulse of our advance-guard at Sabine Cross-Roads, is freely discussed, as well as the victories which afterward followed. When Emory's division came up, the enemy was pressed hard, and his losses must have been terrible, as that division, though fighting almost alone, punished the rebels severely and forced them back with immense slaughter. Our losses in the early part of the action that day, must have been equalled by the enemy's loss at its close, though the capture of our artillery and trains was a point gained over us.

Lieutenant-Colonel Gregg, one of the captured In the succeeding day's fight at Pleasant Hill, rebels, reports that Kirby Smith commanded the the enemy must have lost three to our one. The rebel forces in person, numbering twenty thou-battle-field, which we occupied that night, was sand the first day, and twenty-five thousand the strewn with their dead and wounded, who also second. dotted the roads by which our victorious army pursued them, until night rendered longer pur

General Banks having fallen back to Grand Ecore, thirty-five miles from Pleasant Hill, fifty-suit impossible. five miles from Mansfield, and ninety-five miles from Shreveport, will advance again as soon as he is reënforced and adequate supplies are received. The loss of artillery is a trivial matter, as nearly the whole fighting, owing to the nature of the heavily wooded country, must be done by infantry.

Admiral Porter's fleet will coöperate as far as possible. The extent of its cooperation depends on the depth of water in Red River.

Other battles must soon follow, and glorious victories will be won over the trans-Mississippi rebels.

The enemy appears to have moved his whole forces near here to crush out the Union army. According to the reports of prisoners, Kirby Smith, Dick Taylor, Green, Magruder, and Price are all in the field against General Banks and his

commanders.

The rebel loss in the battles of Sabine CrossRoads and Pleasant Hill was three to our one. The lack of water between Pleasant Hill and Mansfield rendered it prudent to fall back to Grand Ecore, where new supplies will be issued sufficient for a long and uninterrupted forward march.

GRAND ECORE, LA., April 14, 1864. A detachment of the Third cavalry brigade, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Kieb, of the Eighty-seventh Illinois mounted infantry, made a reconnoissance yesterday to the Double bridge, twenty miles on the road toward Pleas

In the continued prosecution of the campaign there are difficulties to encounter which General Banks and his army hope to overcome. The Red River, navigable usually over the falls above Alexandria, is lower now than ever before at this season of the year, and it is possible that the safety of the gunboats and monitors above Alexandria will render the abandonment of military occupation impracticable. Light-draught transports can pass the falls for some weeks yet, and the army cannot be cut off from its supplies. Still the supplies will not come forward so rapidly as if the waters of the Red River were of the ordinary depth at this time of the year. Should the river fail to be navigable, and an advance, therefore, be rendered impracticable, the certainty of holding and occupying Alexandria and Natchitoches remains, and so far the forward movement is a success.

Between Pleasant Hill and Mansfield, a distance of twenty miles, there is a deficiency of water, without which an army cannot be subsisted or marched. It is therefore quite desirable that the movement from one to the other of these points shall be rapid.

Rebel citizens and rebel prisoners have all agreed in the statement that the enemy were determined to dispute this road, and that they expected to fight against us there because it was remote from the river, and where we could not receive the cooperation of the gunboats.

The latest advices from General Steele were

DOCUMENTS.

that he was within either sixty miles or one prompt obedience to orders, cheerful endurance day's march of Shreveport, with fifteen thousand of privations, will alone insure our independence.

men.

Admiral Porter, with two monitors and his flag-ship, went up the river from Grand Ecore a week since, it is presumed to operate against the rebel seat of government in Louisiana.

REBEL ADDRESSES AND ORDERS

The following is General Taylor's address to his army:

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT WESTERN LOUISIANA,
MANSFIELD, LA., April 11, 1864.

R. TAYLOR,
Major-General Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT WESTERN LOUISIANA,
MANSFIELD, LA., April 13, 1861.

GENERAL ORDERS, NO. SOLDIERS: A chief has fallen. A warrior of warriors has gone to his home. On the twelfth instant fell Thomas Green. After braving death a thousand times, the destroyer found him, where he was wont to be, in the front line of battle. His spirit has flown to the happy home of heGENERAL ORDERS, No. roes, where the kindred spirit of Alfred Mouton Soldiers of the Army of Western Louisiana: awaited it. Throughout broad Texas, throughAt last have your patience and devotion been out desolated Louisiana, mourning will sadden rewarded. Condemned for many days to retreat every hearth. Great is the loss to family and before an overwhelming force, as soon as your re- friends; much greater is the loss to this army enforcements reached you, you turned upon the and to me. For many weary months these two foe. No language but that of simple narrative have served me. Amidst the storm of battle, by should recount your deeds. On the eighth of the lonely camp-fire, at the solitary outpost, my April you fought the battle of Mansfield. Never heart has learned to love them. Their families in war was a more complete victory won. shall be as mine; their friends my friends. To tacking the enemy with the utmost alacrity when have been their beloved friend and trusted comthe order was given, the result was not for a mo-mander is the highest earthly honor I can ever ment doubtful.

At

advance.

attain.

The enemy was driven from every position, Soldiers! the fall of these heroes shall not be his artillery captured, his men routed. In vain in vain. Inspired by their examples, this army were fresh troops brought up. Your magnificent will achieve great things. Moistened by the line, like a resistless wave, swept every thing be- blood of Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, and Blair's fore it. Night alone stopped your Twenty-one pieces of artillery, two thousand five Landing, the tree of national independence will hundred prisoners, many stands of colors, two row apace, and soon overshadow the land, so that all may repose in peace under its grateful shade. hundred and fifty wagons, attest your success The memory of our glorious dead is a rich legacy over the Thirteenth and Nineteenth army corps. to future generations, and their names will be On the ninth instant you took up the pursuit remembered as the chosen heroes of the chivalric and pressed it with vigor. For twelve miles, Southern race. prisoners, scattered arms, burning wagons, proved how well the previous day's work had been done by the soldiers of Texas and Louisiana.

The colors of the cavalry corps of this army will be draped for thirty days in memory of their

late heroic commander.

R. TAYLOR, Major-General Commanding.

Doc. 132.

WESTERN VIRGINIA.

The gallant divisions from Missouri and Arkansas, unfortunately absent on the eighth instant, marched forty-five miles in two days, to share the glories of Pleasant Hill. This was emphatically the soldier's victory. In spite of the COLONEL GALLUP'S EXPEDITION INTO strength of the enemy's position, held by fresh troops of the Sixteenth corps, your valor and deDarkness closed one votion triumphed over all. of the hottest fights of the war. The morning of the tenth instant dawned upon a flying foe, with our cavalry in pursuit, capturing prisoners at every step. These glorious victories were most dearly won. A list of the heroic dead would sadden the sternest heart. A visit to the hospitals would move the sympathy of the most unfeeling. The memory of our dead will live as long as noble deeds are cherished on earth. The consciousness of duty well performed will alleviate the sufferings of the wounded. Soldiers from a thousand homes, thanks will ascend to the God of battles for your victories. Tender wives and fond mothers will repose in safety behind the breastworks of your valor. No fears will be felt that the hated foe will desccrate their homes by his presence. This is your reward; but much remains to be done. Strict discipline,

CAMP LOUISA, LAWRENCE Co., KY., Feb. 20, 1864. On the twelfth instant our District Commander, Colonel Gallup, with his usual sympathy for suffering Unionists, sent a scout over into Western Virginia to rid the citizens of the unscrupulous Colonel Ferguson, who, with his plundering band, had pillaged the country until even the women and children were brought to starvation. This impudent rebel, knowing that Virginia was not in this district, and therefore not under the protection of our gallant Colonel, sent him word that he would quarter there until March, but would not molest our troops provided we would Colonel Gallup treated the meslet him alone. sage with that silent contempt it deserved. His silence was taken for acquiescence by the other party. So the wily old fox was allowed to play around until he met with an unpleasant surprise in the capture of himself and command. This hap

Lieutenant Preston, of the Thirtieth, who was sent up Sandy on a scout a short time since, returned on the twenty-second with eleven prisoners. Reuben Patrick, a contract scout, brought in a rebel captain and ten privates the same day. Lieutenant Brown, of company G, Fourteenth, with twenty-five men, left on the eighteenth for Cat's Fork, to break up a thieving band which had been disturbing that quarter. He returned the following day, having killed one and captured two of the marauders. Captain Charles A. Wood, of Louisville, of the Fourteenth, is having fine success in recruiting veterans in this brigade. Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, of Frankfort, is now in command of the Fourteenth. In camp he is jolly, genial, and generous, and his military qualities are best estimated by those who have seen his commanding coolness in the excitement of battle, and his unshrinking intrepidity when exposed to a heavy fire. The regiment is proud of him, and may well be of such a "noble Roman." Major Yates, Medical Director of this district, informed the writer to-day that he had seen a deserter from the rebels whom he knew to be reliable. This man brings news that John Morgan is collecting a force of twenty thousand cavalry at Abingdon, Virginia, preparatory to a raid into this State.

pened in the following manner: At dark on the a larger number were killed and captured here evening of the twelfth, a portion of these troops than in that engagement-this work gratuitously left camp under the lead of the District Com-done by the generous and efficient Colonel Gallup. mander, and marched all night in an easterly His command has captured over one thousand course. At dawn next morning the force was prisoners in this valley, and he is still pushing divided into two detachments. Colonel Gallup, the work vigorously along. at the head of one, pursued a trail which led toward Wayne Court-House, ordering his senior Captain, J. C. Collins, with the other, to scout through the hills in the opposite direction, and follow any track which he supposed would bring him in collision with the enemy. This enterprising young officer, whose quickness of perception is equalled by his celerity of action, is as sharp-scented on a rebel trail as the hound in chase of a hare. He was attended by Captain William Bartrum, who is as quiet and unassuming as he is faithful and resolute, and the trusty Lieutenant Osborne. These officers at the head of companies B, G, and H, soon succeeded in discovering among the dead leaves signs of marching cavalry, which led some eight miles further into the uninhabited hills, to a famous rebel rendezvous known as the Rock House. This is a concealed recess, sheltered by an orchard and overhanging rock in the side of a steep cliff which bounds it on the west. On the northern and eastern sides the surface slopes to the edge of the cave, where there is an almost perpendicular offset of some fifteen or twenty feet. In this place, and in the ravine a few steps below, the rebels were busy chopping wood, cooking rations, and guarding prisoners. When our forces reached the summit of the hill, Captain Collins ordered the strictest silence, deployed his men in skirmishing line, directing them, when they had silently surrounded the cave, to give a shout as the signal of attack. As soon as the signal was given, Captain Bartrum stepped to the edge of the precipice and demanded an unconditional surrender. The astonished rebels instantly sprang toward their guns, whereupon our boys opened on their ranks a scathing fire, which soon brought them to terms. The fight lasted about four minutes, with mortal effect, twelve men being killed, and four others wounded-three of them mortally. Not one of the attacking party was harmed. The only sad feature in the affair was the killing In my despatch of Monday I mentioned the of three Union prisoners who were in the hands fact that the expedition, which consisted of deof the rebels-Captain Pinckard, Assistant Quar-tachments from the First, Second, and Fifth Unittermaster, of General Scammon's staff, from Al-ed States, Sixth Ohio, Sixth Pennsylvania, First ton, Illinois; Lieutenant Griswold, of the Thir- New-York, and First New-Jersey cavalry, in all, teenth Virginia; and a private whose name has one thousand five hundred men, passed through escaped me. Fifty prisoners were taken, sixteen Madison Court-House early that morning. One Union prisoners released, eighty stand of arms section of Captain French's battery, commanded captured, with all their ammunition, horses, and by Lieutenant Porter, accompanied the cavalry. subsistance. Colonel Ferguson was captured The troops were in light marching order, and apart from the command by Stephen Wheeler, [moved rapidly toward Stannardsville, distant a private of company G. In the battle of Rock south-west from Madison twelve miles, crossing House such accurate and fatal shooting was the Rapidan at Banks's Mills Ford. At Standone, that of sixteen wounded men, only two are now living, and one must die; the counties of Wayne and Logan are cleared by it of the plundering guerrillas who had been infesting them. The results of this success are more important than that of Middle Creek, inasmuch as

Doc. 133.

GENERAL CUSTER'S EXPEDITION TOWARD CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., Wednesday Morning, March 2, 1864. GENERAL CUSTER's reconnoitring expedition returned to camp last night after having completed, when the time employed and the numerical force engaged is considered, one of the most daring raids of the war.

nardsville the enemy's pickets were discovered, who retired precipitately before our advance. Meeting with no opposition, General Custer pushed forward to the Rivanna River, crossing at Berner's Bridge, a long wooden structure spanning the river at a point distant three or four

miles from Charlottesville, which place he had received orders to reach if possible. The rebel pickets on the opposite bank withdrew over the hills as our force crossed, and soon after the enemy opened with artillery, without, however, doing any injury to our men, who were sheltered by the hills on the other side of the river.

Owing to the peculiar topography of the country, which was wooded and hilly, the exact location of the enemy was not at first discovered, and a squadron of the First regulars was deployed up the river on our right to reconnoitre the enemy's position, while a squadron of the Fifth regulars, under command of Captain Ash, was sent down the river on our left for a similar purpose. Discovering an artillery camp some distance down the river, Captain Ash, with his squadron, consisting of only sixty men, immediately charged it, destroying the huts, blowing up six caissons, and burning two battery-forges, together with a quantity of harness belonging to the battery.

Captain Ash's gallantry, and the bravery of his men in accomplishing this feat in the face of a rebel cavalry brigade (Wickham's) drawn up in the woods not over three hundred yards distant, are universally mentioned in terms of the highest commendation. The enemy seemed entirely at fault as to our strength, and for some time made no direct advance. Flanking columns of infantry were afterward seen, however, moving on our right and left, and General Custer, having ascertained to his satisfaction that Wickham's brigade of cavalry, together with a considerable force of infantry, were in his immediate front, seeing the hopelessness of advancing further in that direction, determined to recross the river. While on the other side of the river, five trains of cars were distinctly heard at Charlottesville, undoubtedly bringing up reënforcements. On crossing to the north bank of the river, the bridge, together with a large flouring-mill, was burned by order of General Custer.

The utter impracticability of reaching Charlottesville with his insignificant force being apparent, General Custer retired his column up the Stannardsville road, halting soon after dusk to feed the horses, jaded by their march of over forty miles. Several faint charges were made on our rear-guard by a small pursuing party, but no casualties were sustained by our men.

Owing to the hilly nature of the country and the bad condition of the roads, it was found necessary to halt for the night eight miles south of Stannardsville, in order to recuperate the exhausted artillery-horses.

Lieutenant-Colonel Stedman, of the Sixth Ohio, commanding the detachment of five hundred men from General Gregg's division, being in advance of the main body and ignorant of the fact that the column had halted, continued the march toward Madison Court-House, arriving there some time during the night. Orderlies were despatched by General Custer to Colonel Stedman, directing him to return, but owing to the darkness of the night and the distance Colonel Stedman had ad

vanced beyond the main column, they were unable to intercept him.

By this, General Custer was left with only one thousand men, nearly twenty miles from any infantry support, and in extreme danger of being intercepted and cut off by a vastly superior force of the enemy. Understanding the peril of this isolated condition, General Custer was prepared for any emergency which might arise. Should he be intercepted and find himself unable to retire by the road he went out, he was prepared to strike to the northward into the Luray Valley, returning through one of the gaps of the Blue Ridge. The skilful manner in which he subsequently completely outgeneraled the enemy, rendered this route unnecessary.

Early yesterday morning the column began its march toward Madison Court-House, being but slightly harassed by the enemy, who seemed to be manoeuvring not for the specific purpose of fighting, but with the intention of surrounding and capturing General Custer's whole party. A short distance below Banks's Mills, the point at which General Custer intended to recross the Rapidan, is Burton's Ford, from which is a road running north-west, and striking the Stannardsville road two miles from the river. At the junction of these roads, on an eminence, a large force of rebel cavalry was discovered posted. They were immediately charged and driven back in confusion on the Burton's Ford road, while our artillery, which was soon placed in position on the hill formerly occupied by them, poured in a well-directed fire upon them, the first shell killing three of the enemy.

In the first charge, thirty rebel prisoners were taken, who stated that the whole of Wickham's brigade, commanded by Stuart in person, was in our front, the major portion being at Banks's Mills Ford awaiting Custer's approach. Without a moment's hesitation, General Custer conceived and executed a plan for his extrication from his perilous situation. Ordering another charge upon the enemy on the Burton's Ford road, and leading it in person, as he is wont to do, he again drove back the rebels still further toward the Ford, until their allies at Banks's Mills, comprehending the danger of their friends' position, and believing Custer determined to cross at Burton's Ford, came down the river to their support. It was then that Custer's tactics became apparent to the astonished enemy.

Facing his battle-lines by the flank, his whole force was almost instantly moving down the road with the speed of the wind toward the Stannardsville road, which striking, he wheeled to the left, and reaching Banks's Mills Ford, recrossed the river, thus completely eluding the mass of the enemy, who seemed confident of "gobbling" his whole command. The tactical ability displayed by General Custer, is spoken of in the most complimentary terms.

There can now be no impropriety in disclosing the object of the late movement. It is doubtless generally known that the reconnoissance by Custer, supported by infantry, was a simple diver

sion in favor of Kilpatrick, who has not yet re-by way of Barboursville. Charlottesville is thirturned from his raid in the direction of Richmond. ty-three miles south-west of Madison. On the That the attention of the enemy has, to a con-way a detached encampment of infantry and arsiderable degree, been drawn to the left wing of tillery was surprised, the camp was destroyed Lee's army by Custer's demonstration, is con- and seven caissons blown up. At a point about firmed by rebel prisoners, who report their offi- four miles north of Charlottesville a superior cers to have been in a great state of trepidation, rebel force, consisting of one entire division of believing a monster raid in progress on their left. infantry, Stuart's and Fitz-Hugh Lee's cavalry, Confirmation is also had in the fact that a large and twenty pieces of artillery was met, which number of troops were concentrated around permanently stopped further progress southward. Charlottesville to resist our advance.

Among our captures are sixty prisoners and a number of valuable horses. Three flouring-mills, six caissons, two forges, a complete set of artillery harness, and eight wagons loaded with commissary stores, were destroyed during the raid. Captain Paine, of the Topographical Engineers, accompanied the expedition for the purpose of making observations, and gained very important and valuable information appertaining to his department. We lost none in killed, and but ten or twelve wounded. We lost none in prisoners.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS,
BRANDY STATION, March 3, 1864.

On Friday evening, the twenty-sixth ultimo, our entire corps, the Sixth, together with the Third division of the Third, received orders to be prepared to move early on Saturday morning with five days' rations and forty rounds of ammunition. All baggage, stores and tents were to be left, and the weak and sick were to remain as camp-guards. Already our pickets had been relieved by the First division of the Third corps, and the extra rations issued. We at once concluded that this was no false alarm. Saturday morning came, as bright and beautiful as ever winter saw. The roads were in splendid condition, the men in good trim, and all was propitious. Off we started at the appointed time, moving by way of Culpeper in the direction of Madison. James City, a point ten miles west of Culpeper, and sixteen miles from camp, was reached by half-past four P.M., and here we bivouacked for the night. The grassy plains and groves of pine around were fired, and the bands played their liveliest airs. The Sabbath dawned with promise, and the sun smiled propitiously as we moved forward to Robertson's River, which was reached by the advance at eleven A. M. Here the cavalry pickets of the enemy were met, but hastily betook themselves to the sunny side of the Rapid Ann. The Jersey brigade was pushed forward to Madison Court-House, two miles beyond the river, and our brigade thrown across to occupy the heights. The Second Rhode Island was put on picket. As upon the previous night, and all that day, large fires were built over extended tracts of country, and the bands, both at Madison and on the river, entertained the rebels resident thereabouts with national and other patriotic airs, played with full chorus and evident intention to be heard. That night at twelve, General Custer, with two brigades of cavalry and two pieces of artillery, started for Charlottesville

After a brief engagement General Custer retreated on the Stannardsville road. Finding himself cut off at Stannardsville by a cavalry force sent out by the enemy for that purpose, only one means of escape offered, which was to cut his way out. This was immediately resolved upon and speedily and brilliantly executed, with the loss of five wounded. About twenty prisoners were here captured, and were brought in, the entire command reaching the infantry lines at Madison about four P.M. on Tuesday. The infantry were all immediately withdrawn to the north side of Robertson's River, and the south side left to the possession of the rebel cavalry who followed closely in small numbers without attempting to molest our rear. We started home again Wednesday morning, reaching our old camp at half-past four P.M. Hundreds of contrabands returned along with us, men, women and children, on horseback, in all conceivable sorts of vehicles, drawn by oxen, horses, or mules, as could be obtained for the purpose, or on foot where no conveyance offered. These were "goin norf by de grace of God," having "been in de souf long enough now."

The ostensible purpose of the expedition was the destruction of military stores, of which Charlottesville is an extensive dépôt and the cutting of the railroads concentrating at that point. It succeeded only in destroying the camp and caissons, of which we spoke above, one large turnpike bridge, several flouring-mills with several hundred barrels of flour, and a few other manufactories of various kinds. But while this was the ostensible purpose, the whole character and manner of the move indicates that it was but a feint to draw attention and forces in this direction while other and more important movements are made elsewhere.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

WASHINGTON, March 2, 1864. General Custer, with one thousand five hundred picked men, in light marching order, left Culpeper Court-House about two o'clock on Sunday afternoon.

The Sixth and Third corps marched from their winter quarters earlier in the day. The former halted at Madison Court-House, and threw out a strong cordon of pickets, while the latter bivouacked in the neighborhood of James City, and held the line of Robertson's road. About two A.M., on Monday, the raiders left their resting place near James City, and took the road for Charlottesville.

The men had been picked from Merritt's and

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