Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1863-07-29
The Fight Near Amissville, Va.
CORRESPONDENCE Of the New York Times

Michigan Brigade, under command of Col.
Gray, (Col Town, the senior officer being
sick, advanced from this place to Newly $
Gross Roads to reconnoitre the enemy's posi-
ton. The Fifth Michigan we're in advance
The enemy's pickets were met within half a
mile Of the crossroads, when the advance
guard was dismounted and depoyed as Skin
mishers, and one section OF Pennington S Bat
terry, under Lieut.. Clark, was placed In posi-
ton on crest at the left OF the road, support
ed by the First Michigan, Major Brewer
For half an hour or more lively skirmish was
kept I'D, when the advance skirmlshers were
reinforced by three squadrons from the Fifth
Michigan, and also the rest OF these regl-
ments acting as reserve. The men thus
thrown forward steadily drove the enemy be-
fore them, until the crest Of hill was reached
near the cross roads, whom the enemy opened
a brisk fire with artillery, firing shells, grape
and canister, and the advance was checked.
This position was held for at least an hour,
when, much to the astonishment Of ali, re-
giment Of the enelny's infantry appeared III
the rear Of the First Michigan, while support
ing the artillery above referred &c. The whole
section of country in this vicinity is SO cut up
that it is almost impossible for cavalry te ope-
rate effectively, and particularly difficult at
the point where the enemy first made their ap
pearance in our rear, as it was cove~ed not on
" y ith trees to within twenty rods OF the reg-
ment, but the intervening space Is covered
with an underground OF piue and stubble.
General Custer, when made aware OF this
flank movement, at once ordered q charge to
be made. Practicable under ordinary clrcum-
stances, but just at this point an lmpractlca-
bility, which he very speedily discovered
Major Brewer fortunately hesitated when or
dered to charge, and the result was change
Of orders. The section Of artillery exposed
rapidly moved to the right, while the First
Mich gan remained in position until the enemy
had fred one yolley, then wheeling to the
right into the road, rapid retrogade move
ment brought them to the rear, and in place
Of comparative safety.
Whilst this movement was being executed
on the left Of the road, the enemy advanced
two pieces to the crest Of the hill in front pre-
viously occupied by our skirmishers, and open
ed CALLING fire upon our troops with grape
and canister, at the same time advancing
column Of infantry in the same direction.
portion Of our right was forced still further to
the right, and the left was forced back into the
road where the extreme left had preceded 1t.
The retreat on the right was skiltully conduc-
ted by COL Gray, who Notwithstanding the
excitement Of the moment, did not forget to
extend protection to the artillery, then within
the enemy's grasp, and it was consequently
saved.
The enemy after this were held in check at
every point, while the command, having felt
the position, fell back to Amissvllle. From
information obtained from reliable sources it
was ascertained that the column struck the
rear Of A. P Hill command.
The advance Of Longstreets corps passed
through Thornton's Gap and Sperryyille on
Thursday, and Friday morning at s 0 clock 1t
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