The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-05-11
THE STONEMAN EXPEDITION.
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THE CORRESPONDENCE OF Mr.. S. 7. BULKtEY.
HEADQUARTERS, CAVALRY CoRps, :

HEADQUARTERS, CAVALRY CoRPs, \ Il
KEiLr's FoaD, Va. May =, 1861 ~
We have Just returned from the famous cavalry exped
tion having spent days the hearf the rebels
territory in Virginia
ORGANIZATION Tug CAVALRY coRPs.
Among tho hrs OF General Hooker upon assuming
command OF the Army Of tue patomac to reorganzc
and consolidate the cavalry branch OF the scrvice form.
ing into separate corps aud placing 10 command Of
general OF established reputation and ability, with divi
sion and brigade commanders under him whose past
vices had for them this distinction and upou whom
hc could fully rely The wisdom OF this step has demon
strated itself in the past weeks. Never the bis
tory OF waiare either In ancient modern times. has
more brilliant. daring and successful raid been made
within the lines Of an opposing army than has been
accomplished by General stoneman since the 18th OF
April.
DONE
With 1--WE thousand cavalry be has made the whole
circuit Of the rebel army, thoroughly destroying all the
bridges OF importance both upon their railroads post
roads, tearing up miles Of track, cutting OF all OF
communication between their army and base Of supplies
breaking their canals destroying millions Of dollars worth
OF stores capturing prisoners at the very gates their
pita and returning with the loss OF only killed.
wounded and fifty sixty taken prisoners. That
General soneman has displayed energy and
strategic ability Of ordinary character be denied
by who accompanied him upon this expedition but
for great part OF his he is Indebted Generals
Buford Gregg who commanded the two divisions
der him. and the hearty operation Of each and every
Officer aud man who accompanied him.
WHEN TIE MOVEMENT WAS INTENDED TO HAVE nxxS
The movement to have been made some four weeks
snce and In fact actually got Its way far Keys
Ford, the 18th Of April, when heavy rain put
quietus upon further advance iii the 27th when we
left warrenton junction. where had been encamped for
two weeks, and started for Dixie
AvERiLLs DIVISION TURNED ASIDE
1t was intended to march ten thousand strong; but
division under General Averll, who to operate
with upon right failed to get farther than Rapdsn
Station where he had slight skirmish with the enemy
leaving with brsades under General Gregg, and
four regiments Of regulars under General Buford the
Sixth Pennsylvania regiment RusK's Iancers who acted
General soneman and selected battery Of
Second United states Artillery, under Major Robinson 10
make the trip alone
On the morning Of the 18th We crossed the Rappshan
mock at Kely's Ford at the same time that the
Eleventh and Twelfth corps Of infantry were
crossing. General Greggs division crossed upon the
poutoons while General Baford forces srded the river
short distance above. good portion Of the day was
consumed in crossing and at eleven O'Clock at night
bivouacksd some ave miles from tho Rapidsn river Up
this time one with the exception Of the generals In
command, was Of destination; but at twelve
O'Clock that night the colonies Of the various rsgi
ments were assembled and informed Of General Stone
mans plan and received their Instructions They were
ordered send the every description OF wagons
pack mules led horses and also such horses % would be
unable TO march City miles day.
EIGHT DAYS RATIoss
To provide themselves with eight days ratlons and
much grain as each one could carry upon his horse,
ana N ba In readiness 10 NOVA Al four o,cio~k A., Ar.