New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-06-05
The story of n 12-Poundcr Brass How'-
zer-Tbc last Tbrnshing Given 10 the
Inevitable Moaeby Cavalry Seeming
~ Our Special CorTespondont.


The sun glistens on l2-pound brass howl'zer,
which, with its timber, occupies position directly
IN front of Gen. Stahel's headquarters. The story
oe the gun is this: Made in the year 1852 1t was used
bv the Union troops at Balls Bluff, where it fell
into the hands Of the Rebels and since that time
has done service in the Rebel army. After
Moseby had been whipped several times 10y
S,ahers cavalry this gun was furnished him TO
redeem his laurels. On Friday night Last Moseby
with about 10 men and the howitzer camped at
Greenwich. Early Saturday morning they made
hurried march toward the Orange and Alexandria
railroad which they struck about miles this side
Of Catle!s Station. Here they concealed themselves
In the woods, placed the howitzer in position and
awaited the arrival Of the tram from Alexandria car
rying forage and to Beaeton. As the cars came
opposite the smbuscade, a rail adroitly displaced
caused the locomotive 10 run of the track. At this
moment ball from the gun went through the boiler
and another pierced the smoke stack The guard
upon the train were scared by hearing
artillery and beat basty retreat, leaving
the train at the disposition Of the Rebels Had any
resistance been offered it is believed that the tram
could have been saved aud all the Rebels cap tured
As 1t was, the guerras destroyed the cars, ten IN
number and then, anticipating visit from StaheIs
cavalry made of in the direction Of Auburn. Mean
while, Col. Mann of the 9Th Michigan Cavalry, who
WAS 10 command of the portion of Stahels cavalry
at Bristow hearing the firing, started with portions
Of the 5th New-York, LIST Vermont, and 'th Michi-
gan 10 learn The cause. Taking the precaution 20
send the 9Th New-York, Capt A. ii. Hasbrouck
commanding across the country 10 Auburn to inter-
cent the retreat he followed up the railroad until
the sigh; OF the burning train told that portion OF
the story. Leaving the burning tram, COL Mann
L. r q grh
heard the sound of cannon toward Greenwich, mol
eating that Capt. Hssbrouek, with the 9th New
York, had either intercepted or come up with the
enemy. As It afterward proved they had come
upon their rear and bad been fired upon from tie
bowitzer Owing to the nature Of the ground the
5,h New-Ycrk was unable 10 depoy 90 as to oler-
ate effectively, and the enemy again started on the
run, closely followed by Capt. Hasorouck and his
command. Col Mann pressed on 10 reach the scene
OF the firing Learning the particulars OF their
cape he divided his force, sending Lieut.. Col Pres
ton with part Of The let Vermont Cavalry, 10 re-
enforce the 5th New-York, and with the balance he
struck the country again hoping to intercept
them.
Finding themselves so holly pressed, the enemy
when near Grapewood Farm. about two miles from
Greenwich, took position at the head Of short
narrow lane, with high fences either side, plac-
ing the howtzer TO command the lane, strongly
supported by his whole force The advance OF the
5th New York. about twenty FIVE men, uncer Lieut.
Elmer Barker, coming up, the Lieutenant deter
mined to charge the gun, fearing If ne halted th'
Rebels would again run away. Calamity ridlng al
the narrow lane with almost certain Death beor'
them, these brave men, bravely led by Lieut Bar
ker dashed with veil toward the guD Whel
within about fifty yards the Rebels opened ire will
grape upon them. The result was three ne
were killed AID seven wounded. The Rebels i'll
nediatey charged led by Moseby himself. Lieu
Barker twice wounded in the leg, continued wit
his handful Of men TO contest every inch OF tn
ground, and himself crossed sabres with Moseby
But numbers told. and several OF the 5th New-forl
ID IHIa GAL ffuf n LIN
Barker, afforded Col Preston opportunity u
come up with the LIST Vermont Lieut.. Hazetol
was in advance with about seventybve men, ant
charged bravely up the lane, the few boys OF th'
5lh New York. who were left, joining the Vermont
ers Again and again the gun dealt destruction
through the ranks, but nothing could check then
impetuosity, and the brave fellows rode over the
gun, sabering the gunners, and captured the piece
Serg. Carey, OF the 1st Vermont, was shot dead by
the side OF the gum his brother, corporal lii The
aame regiment, although his arm was shattered
struck down the gunner be applied the match foI
the last time. MoSeby aud bic men fought despe
ystsly TO recover the gun, but Ia vain.
Meanwhile Col. Preston had charged across the
FIELDS upon their flank, and the enemy fled In all d.
rections, taking refuge i'll the thickets, with which
they are 80 familiar. One party attempted to take
away the timber, but IT was speedily captured and
brought 10. The long chase IN the hot Gun, the
desperate fight, and the jsded condition OF the
horses, prevented further pursuit, which, with the
enemy 80 widely scattered, and with their knowl-
edge OF every Dy pain ara thlcket WOuid nave Deeh
alraost futless. Capt. b. 3. Haskins, an English
man and formerly Captain IN the 44th Royal To-
fan,ry, who was with Mossby was 30 badly wound
ed that he has since died. Lieut.. Chapman, for
mery Of the regular army, who was IN charge OF tue
gun. was alec daugerously wounded and parOed on
:be field, a. he could not be removed. Our loss
A killed and Is wounded. The Rebels had killed,
20 wounded, and lost 10 prisoners. All the 5tl
New-YoIk who were taken by the Rebels were re-
captured.
The result Of this fight is more disastrous to the
Rebels than the previous engagements. The South
ConfedeTacy Will not be apt TO trust Mr.. hOseby
with other guns II be cannot take better OF
them than be has Of this one. The enemy was
beaten by about the same force In position chosen
BY themselves, and defended by a howilzvr. Their
killed aud wounded outnurDber ours and the how
itxer is ready TO be turned against them at the ear
Get opportunity. The conduct Of officers aud men is
highly comm, nded by Col Mann In his Official re
port 10 Gen. Stahel and the gaantry Of the chargesI
OF the 5th Newly and the lst Vermont il dese W
ing mention.
The absence Of positive information at Washing
top Of the movements OF Gen. Lees force has kept
the cavalry here very busy scouting the country.
Az expedition from the 18th Penney lyani. under
Major Van VOORHEES, returned yesterday fIOm a trip
20 The Ocquscsn, bringing IN three prisoners ana
sssortiusht Of shoyes, picks guns, tents, aud lot
oil confederate money taken from cilizens. Ino
tents were sdroity concealed, and the intention OF
sie parties waS too apparent. The citizens Of Vir-
glLis. with but very few exceptions, are worse
than The traitors in who least have the uaD-
hnsAs ~ ayow themselves enemies. Nothing but a
complete securing out OF this whole ~ RiOn inter
sIersed with an occasioDal hanging will give an
security against people Who are spies and murderers
poruon Of the prisoners taken are found 10 have
taken the OATH OF allegiance. aod all are guilty OF
brrskug their oaihs u paroles. Ehe Administering Of
a AaI n n. L.. A