Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-03-27
From THE ARMY or THE POTOMAC.
HEADQUARTERS Army OF PoroNAo,
March I9

most brilliant cavalry hight occurred on
tho Rappahannock yesterday, beyond Kelley's
Ford A reconnaissance, under command Of
Gen. Averill, forced passage over the river,
in the face Of determined resistance by
considerable body Of rebel sharpshooters, who
were covered by houses, rife pits, and dry
mill race, with an abattis in front. The ford
admitted but a single horseman a, time, and
the stream, which was swollen, was very rap
i'd. Arriving on the south side Of the river,
the cavalry charged the rebels in their en-
trenchments, killing and capturing nearly the
entire force, besides securing a large number
of horses pckcted near by. short distance
from the shore, Gen. Avcriils command en-
countered the rebel cavalry under Stuart and
Fitz Hugh Lee, who had hastenod from Gull
pepper to prevent our crossing. They made
some dashing charges upon our troops, who
repulsed them, and in turn charged them.
with fatal effect, using sabres only in the con-
hict
Among the prisoners is Major Brecken-
ridge, a cousin Of the traitor John c. Breck-
enridge. The prisoners characterize the az
fair on our part as one Of the Abest and most
gallanty fought cavalry raids Of tho whole
war, and admit that their own troops were
totally oemoralized by the gallaut sabre char
ges Of our cavalry.
The Trbune's special gives an account Of
the fight at Kelley's Ford, Of which the fol-
lowing are extracts:
During the night, force under Lieut.. Col
Curtis, of the lst Massachusetts, cavalry, was
detailed to advance in the direction OF War
renton. AT three p m. the forces advanced,
Col. Curtis, as above indicated, and General
Ayerill, with the main force, towards Kelley $
Ford. Arriving at the Ford shortly after
daylight, the advance guard found il well de-
Tended by dismonnied cavalry and sharp
shooters, concealed in trees, behind trees and
fences
The approaches on both sides were render
ed impossible by strong abattis, while the
water was fur feet deep. After several at
tempts to cross, under hot fire, platoon
( from the lst Rhode Island cavalry dashed in
1 to the stream, followed by the ax-men, who
soon removed the abattis.
The gallant fellows were met by vollies o
bullets but so sudden and surprising was
movement that 25 rebels we're captured. The
forces Immediately followed and the artillery
was taken over.
After battling and resting a short time,
/ Gen. Averil ordered the column forward and
had proceeded but mile or two when Fitz
Hugh Lees whole brigade were discovered
4 advancing in vigorous style. Our men were
Immediately brought into position, support
ing battery which opened at once, while
the main body formed for a charge.
Our men had the ed ge of one strip ofwoods,
while the enemy had light position in the
timber opposite with vide and Ger field
between the two. Advancing out OF this,
both forces appeared in the open ground, the
enemy advancing rapidly on our right with
the intention Of turning the flank, and 90 oui
left with the purpose TO chargeit. Botl
nlvvomenta wore anticipated.
On our right they were speedily repnlsec
by our artillery. and on the left by gallant
charge under Col Duff, who led portion
Of the column The rebels stood only mo-
ment, and then turned and fed into tn,
woods with disorder, leaving their killed anC
wounded on the field After reforming, Gen
Averil again advanced and took upa posi-
ton about a mile beyond. believing that tn
enemy would again attack If an opportnnit.
offered. This proved true, and the rebel
soon advanced again, this time with artillery
Their cavalry came up ON the charge II
admirable style, but they were met by Il ter
rife onslaught of the 5th Regulars and 81
Pennsy lvania, which turned them bacN in con
fusion, they retreating down our line by tn
flank, which enabled our remaining squadron
TO pour our tremendous vollies, emptyin
hundreds of saddles. and completely repuls
ing the whole charge in force. They die
not molest us again, save with artillery, 4
which we did not reply. being out of ammu
nition.
Gen. Averill held his position till sundown
and then retired to the north side of the river
The enemies loss was severe, reaching n
doubt to 200 as their wounded we're ioun
everywhere.
Our casualties in the cavalry fight of tn
18th will number less than 40. All tn
wounded we're brought into camp except 6v
who were too severely hurt to be moved
The cavalry are in good spirits over the aft iii
which they claim to be the greatest hand to
hand combat that ever took place on this cor
tinent, and only equalled by one fought
Europe. The enemy are not inclined to tai
about il, and no slurs or nsnuations com
from their pickets.
HEADaUARrKRs Army OF PoToMAo, !
March 20.
Notwithstanding the quotations of gold
Richmond papers. 1t is known here that fro
5000 to 96, so in coniederats notes have bee
offered within the past two days in Fredo
ioksbuig, and moreover S2,25 in Virgin
bank notes, and So, SO in confederate not
are freely paid for currency.
The Richmond Examiner OF yesterday h'
an extraordinary leader, the tone OF which
! evidently to prepare the public mini Of Il
South for serious roverses TO the Coniedera
, arms on the line Of the Rappahannoek.
commences with the following signi6ca
language:
''The active operations Of the federal arm
} under Hooker are now commenced, and eill
4 or decisive battle or the retreat Of Gen. Ii
must be the speedy consequence The latt
contingency is possible, but not probable, an
another heavy struggle over the line OF u
= kappahannock may be safely Anticipated
= The Times special dlspati dated Army
E the Potomac. Friday Meich 20. says: AIT
4 the review Of th l2lh Army Corps by Gener
I Hooker yesterday, he met the officers at Ge
4 Slocum's headquarters. la the course OF Il
e interview he expressed his gratihcatlon
9 the soldierly appearance of the corps und
: their commanders and said that he relic
I. upon them for their assistance aud hearty c.
: operation in the ensuing c'mpagn. 30 u
Il as he was concerned, he meant that the
e should be no mistakes or doubtful result
a.