The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-04-26
Respectfully submitted,
r. PATTERSON,
Maj Gen. U. s. A., Cong. Division.


HEADQUARTERS SECOND REGIMENT DRAGONS,
Camp Washington, March 26, 1917.
SIR have the honor to inform you that in obedi-
ence to tine orders of Major General Scott proceeded
yesterday with Captain Thontons squadron of dragons,
Under the immediate command Of Major Sumner. and
lity dlsmounted under Captain Ker, towards the
Madeline river, 1t being reported that considerable
mounted force in that direction, and in our neigh
norhood moved without opposition until came near
dense chappal, and which determined to reconnoitre
before advancing any farther as had learned that ii
was fortified and guarded by 1900 men and two pieces
h aTley and small parties Of lances were seen near
ana when came within sixty yards of the bridge, he
opened heavy fire my dismoun,ed skrmishers and
notwithstanding the utmost precaution corporal was
Killed. and two men severely wounded Seeing the bridge
was fortified and the enemy in force TO dispute the pas
sage Tell back and sent request for two pieces of
cannon, with the aud of which | felt convinced could
anve HIM from the bridge and put him to rout In the
meantime Captain Hardee, who was engaged in disem-
barking his horses hearing that engaged with the
enemy collected all the foomen he had on shore asd all
ne could find IN camp, numbering more than forty and
zane to my assistance was also joined BY company
~ ~ me Isl tennessee regiment commanded by Captain
eheaham and part OF four companies of the I'd Tennes
e regiment, under the orders of Colonel Haskell Soon
ee' uhe lieutenant Judd Sd artillery arrived with two
pieces OF artillery, and Immediately made my DISPOSE
IONS for attack. Captain ker with the dismonnted dr-
Ss, was placed on the left OF the road leading to the
SSnuse me volunteers on the right while CaptaH Har-
uee, win Lieutenant Hill, directed to keep the
efy 10 support IT. If necessary, and to be in readiness
70 Charge on the bridge Major Sumner with the mount
, men was held IN reserve. Lieutenant Judd was d-
,eclea 10 move down the road with caution il was
ucaons, and the bridge not visible until within fifty
aus ol the ratification. He did with great Judgment
' ne was no seen than the whole fire OF the
naeNeans was concentrated his party Hoping to d.
ven Their fire, ordered the volunteers firing
p he night, and Captain Hardee TO extend his TO the
ni ana fire also but Lieutenant Judd, nothing daunted,
lened upon the fortication and after six eight we'll
ueeted rounds, the heads of the enemy longer
Nen above the parapet AT this moment | ordered a
Tnage upon the bridge; and the volunteers, headel by
~oone Haskell and Captain Cheaham, and the dragons
mue5 eaplaln Hardee, rushed upon it with fearless in
asPdlty The fertilization opposed obstacle II was
meolately leaped but by this time the enemy had fall
tn back, and reformed beyond the bridge [ then or
aeled the bridge cleared, and sent for Major Summers
command, which came up in gallant STYLE and charxpd
upon the eoemy. On bis approach the footmen fled into
e woods, but the ancers and completely rout
ca. Lieutenant Lowry and Lieutenant Oaks with three
men, pursued party of about thirty ancers who turned
on byroad and all but FIVE either sabred or dis
mounted. Major Sumner and Lieutenant Sibey al the
mead of the first SET of fours had several personal
counters with the enemy who were, every instance
ether klled dismounted The pursuit was continued
70 The village OF Madeline, miles from the bridge
ron which another party OF ancers retreang
shd Lieutenant Neil, my adjutant being in advance
pursued them with three men party sent to sup