The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1861-10-19
Correspondence of The Cecil Wing
CAMP BLENKER, Rochc's Mill, Va,
n,tnhur 10Th 1851

OclODeT ltlll lSDl.
FRIEND Ew1EG Since last writing to You,
| have had tn" extreme pleasure of seeing
some of the Rebels. 1t came to pass in this
manner, on Sunday morning last, the 9th
inst. Sergeant Nangle, Dillingham;, Baiy,
myself and three privatcs led by Orderly
Sergeant Morris, got pass to go outside Of
our pickcts, for the purpose OF reconnoltcr-
ing In the first place we went to Alexan-
dria. from thence we took the road leading
to Fairfax Court House, (Which is II miles
from Alexandria, and went on until we
came to our outposts on Mason $ Hill, four
miles from Alexandria, after parleying with
the Captain Of the Picket guard for some
time and showing our rowing papers, he let
us 20 on. We advanced then some three
miles and just as we raised the brow of Il
small hill, We discovered several horses
pickctcd to the fence around Il frame house,
to our right and few hundred yards ahead.
1t seemed as if the riders rkceping II sharp
look out for no sooner had we raised the
hill than eight Of them mounted and one
went some 1 Ola mile to our right and then
dismountcd for the purpose, we supposed,
of taking observations, but fortunately there
were too many trees and they could not see
how many there were of us; the other seven
came out to the road and two of them
the others advanced on our left, and
came out to the road and two of them
through the woods, the two who came
toward us waved a white handkerchief and
came within three hundred yards of us, and
then halted Thus we stood facing each
other, while the other five were going down
the side of the woods to surround us and
drive us into their lines. But we having
business, and rcry urgent TOO, at home, conclu-
dcd to bid them good day, and it was not long
until our horses heads were where their
tails had been, and going down the road
We had no arms with us but sabres and
revolvcrs, and they had carbineS. We could
distinguish them very plainly, their uniforms
were about the same as ours, with the excep
ton OF the trimmings, of which they had
none, their hats We're low crowned black.
hooked up at the side with something,
could not see whether it was an eagle or not,
but supposed it to be a rattlesnuke. We
send out twelve, piekets every day, mounted.
On Monday night last one of the Horses
belonging to II. Deity of Co. 81" came
home without any rider, saddle and bride on
all right and a dispatch to Gen. Blenkcr, in
the the saddle bag. 1t was duriug the heavy
storm until now we have not heard of him I:
in all probability he was shot by the rebels
and the horse escaped, or he may have been
drowned while crossing some of the streams
We had magnificent parade of Cavalry and
Artillery, on the grounds east of the Capitol
on Tuesday last. There were $500 cavalry
and 1000 Artillery. 1t was sight seldom to
be seen. They all mannuvred well, and
tell you the c. Dragroons were not behind
any of them although there were regulars
among them. When we have fight which
will be in Il few weeks. will give you some
of the particulars, Yours, with Respect,
j. FRANK CUMMINGS.