Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-02-13
Brilliant and Successful Skirmishing with
the Rebel Cavalry.

| they killed one rebel and wounded several, be-
sides capturing sixteen prisoners, twelve horses
and one wagon. The following is a detailed
account OF the reconnaissance -
At four o'clock eleven companies OF the
Cameron dragons, Col Friedman, started in
the direction Of Germantown, about mile and
halffrom Fairfax Court House. II was the
intention to make a thorough examination Of
the enemy's picket lines outside the division
boundaries. Owing to the early hour of start.
ing, and secrecy and silence of the advance,
they surprised rebel picket detachment at q
| house near Germantown. Surrounding the
house they took twelve prisoners a capture
effected, however, not without some show of
| resistance on the part of the enemy. Over a
dozen shots were fired from the house at our
men. Captain Wilson was hit by one shot in
the right ear, the ball passing through and
making an ugly but not dangerous wound in
the back of the neck. Sergeant Crumley was
shot in the right leg, causing painful but not
| serious flesh wound. These were the only shots
of the enemy that took effect.
While this firing was going on, a large COM
pany of mounted pckets, some of whom had
escaped from the house, fed to a thicket near
by and opened fire upon our troops. Major
Curry, placing his revolver at the head of one
of the captured prisoners, called out to the
men 10 the thcket if they fired another shot
he would blow out the brains of every prison
er taken. This bold threat stopped the firing,
and caused the rebels to plunge spurs into their
horses and beat rapid retreat across an open
field
Subsequently, upon looking into the vacant
wood, the body of dead rebel was found,
which, in their retreating haste, they had left.
One of the prisoners gave the name of the de-
ceased as William Birbanks, and his residence
as BurnwelI Court House, n. &. He says
that the deceased was lawyer and belonged
to one of the wealthest and most influential
families in that place. This was the only rebel
killed, so far as known. From traces of blood
it was evident that several had been severely
wounded. Besides the twelve prisoners, eight
horse were taken.
Our cavalry proceeded to convey their pris-
oners and bocty to the division headquarters
On the return the companies got separated
One squadron, under command of Captain
O'Farrell, elated by their recent splendid per-
formance, determined to make dash towards
Feirfax Court House on their own hook. They
baG not advanced far before they had the sat
isfacti6u of taking four prisoners, one wagon
ana four horses. The men surrendered with
out opposition.
Having learned of the'sboye encounter with
the euemy's pickets, the Fourteenth regiment
New York Volunteers, Col. McQuade, OF Gen.
Morrel's brigade was at once despatched to
the aid of our men. At the sound of the
" long roll" the regiment formed in line with
an aIaerity and enthusiasm marking its call
to evening parade. The prospect OF lively
work with the enemy reused an eaFnestnesS
Of spirits and eagerness to march TO tne
scene of action that shows more than words /
can convey the splendid discipline and readi !
ness to fight of any regiment of our Potomac
army, whenever called to do battle. The reg
ment headed by its gallant Colonel and field
Ind line officers, was quickly on the march to
support the cavalry On their arrival at the
scene of action, long and wearisome march,
considering the state of the weather and mud,
Ill the fighting was over, and all they had to
10 was to march back again, which they did
n good order, although greatly disappointed in
not having had chance to try their new rit1es
lgainst the enemy.
The prisoners, horses and wagons were all
onveyed to General Smiths headquarters
Both comnsnies Of prisoners belonged to the
,econd repiment of North Carolina cavalry.
They looked as though they bad not been over
Fell fed, and their dress is cutie as oiVerSheo
n color, fabric and appearance as tnoSe OF
Ealstaff's celebrated recruits at Gad's Hid
)f the position and condition of the main
,ody of rebel forces they state nothing addi-
ional to the facts communicated by former
prisoners and deserters.