Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1863-03-27
New YoRK, March u

WV lbhh, Ahdlti L.
The Tribune special gives an account Of
the fight at Kelley's Ford Of which the fol
lowing are extracts
During the night, force under Lieut..
Col. Curtis of the Ist Mass Cavalry, was
detailed 10 advance in the direction Of War
renton. At 5 O'Clock, P NJ, the forces ad-
vaneed, Col. Curtis. as above indicated
and Gen Ayerill with the main force
toward kclley'r Ford Arriving at the
Ford shortly after daylight, the advance
guard found ii well defended by dismounted
cavalry and sharp-shooters concealed in
houses hchind trees and fences. The ap-
proache- on both sides wcrt rendered inrass-
able by strong abattis, while the water was (
feet deep After several attempts to cross
under hot fire, platoon Of the lst Rhode
Island Cavalry dashed into the stream, fol-
lowed by the axe-men, who soon removed the
abattis. The gallant fellows were met by
volloys If bullets. but 80 sudden and
surprising was the movement that twenty
five rebels were captured.
The force Immediately followed. and the
artillery was taken over. After hating and
resting q short time. Gen. Avcriu ordered
the column forward, and had proceeded but
a mile or two when Fitz Hugh Lees whole
brigade were discovered advancing in
vigorous style Our men were i'm
mediately brought into position sup
porting battery which orened at
once, while the main body formed for
charge. Our men had the edge Of one strip
of woods while the enemy had like position
in the timber opposite with a wide and clear
field between the two. Advancing out Of
this, both forces appeared in the open ground,
the enemy advancing rapidly on our right.
with the intention Of turning that flank,
and on our lelt with the purpose to charge
it. Both movement, were anticipated. On
our right they were speedily repulsed by our
artillery, and on the left by gallant charge
under Colonel Dufie who led that portion of
the column. The rebels stood only moment
and then turned and fed back into the
woods with disorder, leaving their killed
and wounded on the field
After reforming, Gen. Averill again ad.
'anced and took up a position about mile
beyond. believing that the enemy would again
attack if an opportunity offered This prov
ID true, and the rebels soon advanced again.
this time with artillery. Their cavalry came
up on the charge in admirable style, but they
we're met by terrific onslaught of the 5th
Reg'rs and Sd Penn. which turned them back
n confusion, they retreating down our line
'y the flank which enabled our remaining
squadron to pour in tremendous yollevs.
implying hundreds of saddles, and completely
epulsing the whole charge in force. They
i'd not modest US again save with artillery, to
which we did not reply, being out of am-
nunition.
Gen Averill held his position till sun
own, and then retired to the North side Of
be river
The enemy's loss was severe, reach
ls no doubt 70 200, "a their wounded were
)und everywhere. Our own loss will not
xeeed 50 in killed wounded.
1t was a square stand-up cavalry fight, of
yer four hours duration, and the result
roves that our cavalry when well handled
re equal if not superior to the enemy. In
7erJ instance they fed before the charge of I
II men g