Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1863-10-15
From the Army Of the Potomac.

A letter from the Army OF the Poto-
mac says that for two or three days prior
to Saturday last the Confederates had
been concentrating heavy force around
Madison Court House On Friday night
and Saturday morning this force moved
out of the town in northward direction.
A division of infantry and large body
of ca valry and considerable artillery were
occasionally seen by our signal men
through openings in the forest. which
generally concealed the road. The OBJ
iect of the movement could not at that
time be determined.
On Saturday evening reports received
in Washington from the front represen-
ted that early in the morning one of
Gen. Fitzpatrick s cavalry brigades, con-
sisting of the 5,h Michigan, 9Th New
York, 7th Pennsylvania, and another
regiment, attempted reconnaissance on
the south side of Robertson's river, when
they we're met by large body of Stuart's
rebel cavalry. A fight ensued, continu-
ing an hour, when our cavalry fell back
upon their infantry reserves. After an
other severe contest the infantry were
compelled to give way, and consider
able number of them were captured. A
detachment of our cavalry then dashed
upon the enemy, retaking all with the
exception of fifteen of our infantry. Our
entire force was then pushed back to-
ward Culpepper, diminishing on the way
and contesting every foot of ground.
Gen. Meado's army has fallen back to
this side of the Kappa mock, followed by
Gen Lees army, which is in great force
about halfa mile from the southern bank
of that river.
The enemy made feint of moving up
the valley on the southern bank of the
Robertson river. and our cavalry under
Gen. Buford crossed at Germapia Ford
and took possession of the earthworks
abandoned by them. When our force
was all across the enemy came against
Gen. Buford in great force, drove him
across the river, without time to destroy
the crossing, and pursued him to Kappa.
hammock Station.
Gen. Fitzpatrick, with force Of cav
airy and artillery. which had made re-
conuoissance near Madison Court House.
was cut off Sunday afternoon on the road
to Culpepper by portion Of Ewell' s
corps, which were formed across the only
road by which he could retreat. in twelve
ranks, with two regiments on each flank.
Fitzpatrick was compelled to charge di-
rectly into the Gu, de sac there made by
the enemy's formation. He led the
charge in person. telling his men that
they must do or die. The cavalry cut
their way through under concentrated
fire such as has hardly been experienced
by our troops during the war, and prob
ably his rear with his artillery retired
through Culpepper. Kilpatrick's loss in
killed and wounded amounted to one
hundred and fifty. ..
Gen. Meade is said to have displayed
guod generalship in bringing his army
back to the line of the Rappahannock.
When the enemy made his feint of NOV
ing up the valley, Gen. Mead also made
iJf1t of following him. force to attack
him in the rear. massing his troops at
Racoon Ford for that purpose This
drew back Lees army, so that the inten-
ded hanking movement was frustrated.
! Gen. Meade has brought of every
wagon and all his stores to his pew line.