Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-05-28
OUR LEFT ON THE CHICKAHoM,Ny

GENERAL KBYBs' HEADQUARTERS, Nav 2i-
This morning reconnaissance was made in force
upon GU. left wing, for the purpose o; ascertain
Ing the strength OF the Rebel troops in the neigh
borhood Of " the Pines, - some eight and a half
miles distant from Richmond.
The reconnaissance conducted by Brioa-
dieT General Naglee, and consisted Of infantry
and cavalry force. The 1G4th Pennsylvania, Col.
Davis, and the 52d Pennsylvania, Colonel Dodge
constituted the advanced guard. Besides those
In the advance, there were engaged the 9Th Pa.
Cavalry, Col. Gregg, and Battery II, 1st N. York
artillery, commanded by Capt. Spratt.
The advance was made to the right and left OF
the old stage-coach road leading 10 Richmond
companies from the two advanced regiments be-
Ing deplOyed az administers through the woods
on either side, as also companies from the s:h
Pennsylvania cavalry, who acted conformity with
the Infantry administers from the same regiments
advanced In front, and short distance behind
these followed the battery alluded to and a strong
infantry reserve.
Ata6ou; ten O'Clock the command was halted by
Gen. Eaglee, short distance this side Mr.
Higgins house, behiad which the Rebels had
two batteries planted, from one Of which guns
commenced TO play on US as we advanced Oar
battery was immediately got iato position. The
lO4th Pennsylvania occupied the left Of the
road, covered by dense woods, while the SD
Pennsylvania were stationed on the RIG ht SINH
isriy protected The firing was opened by the
Rebels with she'll, to which our guns replied by
quick and rapid discharge Of crepe and she'll
The shots OF the rebels fell far wide Of the mark
while their shells, In many cases, did not explode
az dil, OF exploded In the air. On our side
the shells were thrown with remarkable accuracy,
and exploded Just In the nick of time, doing great
havoc among the rebels
The force Of the rebels was composed OF 500 of
Stewards old cavalry and regiment of Tennessee
Infantry, together with the two batteries named,
comprising eight or ten guns Our cavalry al one
time made charge upon that Of the rebels, in
which we completely routed them, with severe
lots, number Of them being seen to relax their
hold on the brides Of the horses, which were
| subsequently, led away by the comrades of the
wounded. Sharp diminishing also took place be.
tween the lU4th Pennsylvania regiment and the
Tennessee regiment, which was deadly In its eff.
feet upon the rebel force.
About an hour after the firing Of the first mus.
ket, the morning was occupied by an exchange oi
shots between the artillery force on either side
the Rebels shifting their guns from one point tc
the other, just as often as they were driven from
tue post occupied by them by the accuracy Of our
| nre. Finally, unable to maintain their position
any longer, the enemy's guns were moved to the
| right and out Of sight.
Our administers were again advanc d, and
cavalry and Infantry deployed through the woods
who drove In the rebel pickets as rapidly as they
Were met. These being halted at Intervals, ou
/ battery was again advanced, and shell, In III,
way OF "feeies," were distributed with / be,a
i hand through the woods on all sides. Finally 4
being reported that the rebel troops could not b,
| found for a distance Of several miles beyond tn,
| Reconnaissance was halted for the day. Ell =
Az this time the rain was falling in torrents, tn,
.oidiers were standing In mud and water up t.
| drenched to the skin
The ground where the fight occurred was Of
maisny character, over which the troops moved
WIZ Inc greatest difficulty. The retreat Of the
teoeIs was made to the right, on the railroad
| trated.
All the houses in the vicinity Of the pines hay,
been vacafed, several OF which were left by th
| approaches 70 Richmond from this boint. AM
seven below 10, are by four roads, over which nm
Rebels made their recent retreat 70 Richmond
The loss Ia killed and wounded on our side, /
far less than was anticipated, while that OF In
Rebels must have been heavy.