Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-08-08
FROM THE ARMY OF NORTHERN
VIRGINIA.
CORRESPONDENCE OF TIE WIG.
AMY NORTHERN Va.

CORRESPONDENCE OF TIE WIG.
Army NORTHERN VA,
August Srd, 1858.
Friday night last force of the enemys cavalry es
mated at three brgades crossed were reported to be
crossing the Rappshonnoek at Ksleys Ford, Hamptous
cavalry brigade picket at the tme their line ex
tending from Keeys TO Beverley's Ford. By morning
tie entire Yankee engaged were across and began
bold advance towards Brandy S:aion. Their force
greatly outuumbeIiag ours, Hampton'5 brigade com
meuced falling back slowly, the pckets having been pre-
ynusly driven by the enemy pack 70 the main body
After falling back mile more, the brigade halted and
checked the enemys advance for considerable time
Toe eaemy's movements were covered in measure by
woods, OF which they awaited themselves, but when
ever the opportunity and ground favored TeEe frequent
y aud most calamity charged by our regiments and
driven back. The day thus passed With successive
skirmishng fighting ard charging until between or
o'clock, D. IN, When within about a mile and half
Of Culpeper, two regiments OF infantry from Ander-
sons dvision-the 18th Virginia, OF Mahones brigade,
and the 18th Mississippi, OF Poseys-were thrown out
as skrmishers and advanced the support of cav
airy The Yankees perceivng these supports coming
m "about-faced" and "skecaddled" across open
FIELD or other open space of ground IN our 'front.' The
pursuit was continued until the enemy escaped out OF
sight and believed recrossed the river that nigat
Gen Stuart, it is said with the line Of infantry
skrmshers uni they dessted from tho pursuit. though
It is not stated that he came on the ground until they
commenced advancing.
We had 10. more than one battery of artillery en-
rsred which poured at intervals q number Of rounds
Of Crane and canister into the enemys ranks with great
effect Six or eight Of our Srtlerymen were wounded
three of them MORALLY. The Yankees had at least two
batteries engaged but most Of the casualties among our
men we're caused by their sharpshooteIs, their artillery
on this occasion having been ineffective auxiliary
IL s alleged that our artillery would have done greater
execution but for the deficiency of rifle ammunition
provided.
Gen. Hampton being yet disabled from returning to
the field by bis wound the brigade, az you rave proba
bly learned was commanded and admirably handled,
by Col Baker, Of the lst North Carolina Regiment
Our loss is at this writing unknown, but will probably
be covered by rs or 100 killed and wounded.
The purpose Of this movement was a reconnaissance
doubtless to feel the position Of our army.
Excepting this spirited affair the period elapsed since
the two armies entered the section occupied by
them has been unpro6c OF important news that could
be communicated with propriety. 10 F. Iquisr and Gull
pepper the Yankees have INDUCED freely their devel
ish prochVties. Their depredatons extending to the
growing and harvested crops Of grain and the shooting
Of csttl, mules, horses and everything Of the kind
Such has been their course is reported since they
reavaded the State, which it is hoped will be the last
time.
They have rebuilt the bridge at RlppahAnnock Sta
ti1n, where the Orange and Alexandra Railroad
crosses the river and said to be running trains reg
pIarly.
Meade seems to be proceeding with great caution in
bis movemenrsso much so as not TO have yet deVel-
cd his designs fully. Whenever and wherever he may
decide to Join the fearful issue Of battle, he will find
Gen. Lee on the q vius usual and prepared to meet
him Our gallant men are now on their soil, and
well may Meade be cautious how he risks the already
preearous tenure Of bis position.
All has been quiet since Saturday, aud nothing from
tbs enemy excep. a report that they have occupied
Culpeper G. II. in force.
AUGUST 4, 1883
body Of Yankee cavalry crossed the river Rixey-
vile early this morning. and repulsed by the llth
Va. Regiment, picket at the time. Gen. Stuart at
tackled them in the afternoon and drove them back to
the river They had artillery planted the other side