Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-06-18
Bold Movement of the RebeIs-Their
Activity about Richmond.


RIGHT WING ARMY OF THE PoTOMAc,
June l3-10 P. M.-To-day the right wing of
the army was attacked by the rebels at point
little anticipated. 1t has been known for sew
cral days that the enemy has been lurking
about Hanover courthouse, and small force
has been detailed every day to watch his
movements. 1t seems, however, that the reb-
els became emboldened by the apparent in
difference with which we kept watch of that
section, by not having larger force on guard
and made bold dash toward our pickets and
rear guard, which was not wholly unsuccess-
full. The portion of our force engaged was
companies b, C, f and II, of the fifth United
States cavalry, who have been for the past ten
days stationed on picket duty at the Old
Church, which is situated on the main road
about midway between Chickahominy Bridge
and the White House. Early this morning,
company Z was sent out on a scouting eXpe-
dition to the right of the Hanover road. COM
pany Is, and part of company II having
been detailed to picket the road leading to
Hanover courthouse, establishing a line not
far from that place.
At about II o'clock the rebels made their
appearance and commenced an attack on our
pickets, and succeeded in capturing nearly all
of them. AT about the same time the scout
ing party also fell in with large body of rebel
cavalry, but did not venture to attack them
until reinforcements should arrive. a messen-
ger having been sent back to Old Church to
| get what force was remaining there. The
| enemy, however, was not to be delayed in his
movements, and Immediately made a dash
upon our scouts, forcing them to retire, but
on the retreat they were met by Company +
and the remaining portion of Company II,
when the combined force turned and engaged
| the enemy.
The rebel force was estimated to be four
companies Of cavalry, one of infantry, and
section of artillery 1t did not take long to
ascertain that the rebel force outnumbered
that of our own, and that it would be useless
to attempt TO break or drive them. But our
gallant band was determined to do the best
they could and show the rebels that they had
good quality Of metal to contend against.
! With this view our men, under command of
Capt. Royal, formed in line preparatory to
making a dash. At the same moment the
rebels opened their pieces, discharging which,
the infantry came forward, and poured out Il
volley of musketry. The cavalry then
came on in its turn. the combined eff
feet of the whole causing our men to fall
back in Old Church. The enemy pursued
them to the camp, reaching which they burned
the tents, and destroyed everything that would
be inconvenient to take away with them.
They also took few more Of our men prison.
ers The portion Of our men not captured
retreated to the Chickahominy river, but the
rebels did not deem it prudent to continue the
pursuit
During the engagement, Capt Royal, of
Co. c, was shot through the head, and twice
through the body. There are hopes, however,
of his recovery. Lieut.. McLane was shot
through the head, and left on the field. He
also had several privates shot.
The rebels now hold possession of Old
Church, hut they Will probably be driven from
their position tonight, or early in the morn
ing.