Smyrna times., 1863-04-23
CORRESPONDENTS
Written FOR the "Smyrna Times
From the 4th Delaware.
CAMP GILPIN, Gloucester Point, }
Anril 18th. 1863.


DEAR TINES Within the past eight or
ten days matters here have assumed quite a
lively character, The appearance of rebel
cavalry about our picket lines has become
so common that it now hardly excites any
emotion among the men. When, however,
they appear in force, the 18th Delaware 10
invariably called out, and soon in pursuit.
bat up to the present time we have failed
to Overtake them. 1t is regarded As fact
here that the "rebs" residing just beyond
the lines, inform them Of all our movements,
&c. On the 7th inst. we made grand re-
connissance from this Point, accompanied
squadron of the I'd Mass. cavalry, the 4th
Del. Regt., the 169th Penn. Drafted Militia
and , pieces of artillery Qst N. W were
sent out. The chief object of this expedi-
ton was to seize large quantity OF grain
stored for the rebel army at Richmond. y
day or so previous to this there had been
considerable rain, and the roads, fields and
woods were in poor condition for marching.
The 4th Delaware were deployed as sIir-
misherS, thus securing the country wadng
through mud and water sometimes knee
deep to the distance of Is or Is miles, TO
Gloucester c. H. Not rebel had yet been
seen; the day before, however, the court
had been in session, and we were informed
that there was large force of rebel cavalry
at that place, supported by four cannon.
After destroying papers and seizing such
things rs were needful, the force started
home, reaching camp about sundown, and
bringing in a large number of horses, mules,
cattle, sheep, &c, having also destroyed by
fire some buildings filled with grain, and
otherwise used by the enemy. The distance
| travelled was estimated at from 80 to 35 miles,
and was accomplished in less than eleven
hours-the men coming in in high spirits.
Twice have the rebel forces driven our
men from Williamsburg within the past 8
or 10 days. Our force there is quite small,
being detachment Of the 5th Penna. cav
airy, from Yorktown. On the first raid
they killed eight or ten of our men: they
left soon, without taking any booty. A
few days since they made another desperate
raid on Williamsburg, and rumOr says they
still occupy that place, and another rumor
saws we have them hemmed in between
Fort Magruder and Yorktown. l will send
particulars in few days.
Yesterday Sunday we received intelli-
gence of force of rebel cavalry being at
Hickory Fork" distant four or FIVE miles
from our lines A detachment of 1870 men
from the 18th Delaware were soon in march
ing trim, and under Lieut.. Col. Teves pro-
ceedcd by eircuitous route to point about
II or miles beyond Hickory Fork, hoping
to intersept the rebs and capture or kill
them. We failed, however, in either, as
none were to be seen except two, Stuart
men) who had Just come home for the pur-
pose of purchasing horses for that rebel
generals command They were greatly
surprised when they found their mistake,
wondering how our men could get there
without they knowing it. The circuitou:
route taken deceived the spies outside the
lines, SO they had no information. Onl
men destroyed two mills and large quan
tity Of grain. The men are all anxious, in
deed, to meet the evenly in an open fight
but it seems they cannot be gratified here
unless we can sometime get them between
US and compel them to fight
Too much cannot be said in praise of Ou
Colonel, A. III. GrinShaw. lie .is one o
the truest of the true, and is equally a
brave as loyal Had he the authority, l.
assure you that Gloucester county, at least
would soon be swept of every enemy of tn
Government.
forgot to mention an attack made o
some Of the l69th Penn, who were eng,
y ged i'll cutting wood at some distance froI
N the lines. The guard stood up boldly, re
,e turning their fire promptly, wounding tw
Of the enemy severely Zone captain and OF
= private) when they fell back without doin
any damage to our men.
Scouting parties, expeditions and recoI
noissances are rife, and the 4th Delawa
boys are in their glory. Should they ev
* find the enemy hope to give a good a
h count of their courage and bravery.
as Yours, respectfully. = D. b. F..