Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1863-10-23
First Vermont Cavalry.
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HEADQUARrERs lsr VERMONT CAVALRY, }
GROVE CHURCH, Va, sept. 20, 1868. !
MAJ. WILLS REPORT


HEADQuARrERs lsr VERMONT CAVALRY,
GROVE CHURCH, Va, Sept. 20, 1868. !
. p. r. H-asibwa.
Id Z end Iasp. GsuIo' Tcrm01f.
Sri beg leave 10 submit the fol-
lowing brief report Of the part taken by this
regiment (the lst and u battalions) IN the TT
cent operations by our cavalry against the enc
my.
We left our camp near Falmouth. Va. at
O'Clock, 2. NJ, on saturday September l2th g,
1868, and proceeded with the division 20 which
we are attached, to Kelly's Ford. Crossed the
the Rappahannock river early the next morning,
sunday the 18th inst, and arrived in the yiciu-
itY Of ulpepper Court House, at about 10 'clOck
NJ. where our cavalry were bri-kIy engaged in
skirmshIng with the enemy's cavalry and artil-
lery and driving them toward the town.
The regiment was Immediately directed by
General lpatrick-commsudiug diVsi0n-to
move 10 the left Of the town, and euieiyor to
cut Of a portion OF the enemy, force stationed
in that rection; but a stream Of water running
along the border Of the yllige, hal become 50
mu-h swollen b. the rain Of the iay before, as
to render It uuioriabie, and thus prevent these
instructions from being carried out We then
received orders 20 charge into town. which we
d.d-passng thruugh-capuuriug eight prison.
ers, and one gun with carriage, horses, &c.,
complete, and occupied knoll on the south
SIDE % the village, where the regiment was sub
lecici to a very severe artillery hre from the en-
euy guns, stationed al our front and LEFT. We
we're here directed by Gen. Custer. commanding
brigade. TO attack the force occupying the woods
10 the leil Of the town, and holding the road
leading ia the direction Of Orange Court House
Companies and Of the first battalion, were
sent o. the sht-dismouutei-aud engaged the
Iii D. o La ff D
TALON Companies b. e.. II aud G. under Capt
Adams, being sent forward charged the enemy,
driving them from the road, and through the
woods back under protection Of their artillery,
capturing tweuty-sX prisoners. The fight at
tins lace ntinued for considerable length OF
time, three separate charges having been made
by our men. The force ia front Of the second
battalion. largely out-uumbering their opponents.
aud being strongly supported, rallied and gained
a temporary advantage, during which time they
succeeded IN removing their artillery stationed
in our front movement on our hiuk- was at
one time attempted but it failed IN its purpose,
the enemy being compelled to retire. The re
pnl-e Of the enemy along the whole line. being
at this time clock f. M.-complete, they
retreatel in the direction Of the Rapidau river
The pursuit was continued until dark, but their
force did not make a stand before crossing
The commanding officer being Temporarily dis
sblei durtng the engagement by the bursting Of
shell, the command was turned over for a short
time to Capt. Adams.
The engagement lasted tour hours, during
which time the regiment was continually under
fire We captured about forty prisoners during
the day the enemy leaving several killed and
wounde, Oh the 1ed
All the Officers and men i,i their whole duty.
and are entitled to great praise lor their bravery
and good conduct.
I have the honor to be.
Very respectfully,
our ohedient servant.