The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-03-20
BY TELEGRAPH
EVENING PAPERS.
The Battle of Kelly's Ford-Detailed Account
Of the Engagement-A Splendid Union
Victory.

The Battle of Kelly's Ford-Detailed Account
Of the Engagement-A Splendid Union
Victory.
New YORK, March 10.
The Tribune's special gives an account of
the fight at Kelly's Ford, of which the follow
ing are extracts:
During the night force under Lieutenant
Colonel Curtis, OF the LIST Massachusetts cav
airy, was detailed to Advance toward the rail-
road at Bealeton station, and to Elk Run, In
the direction of Warrenton. AT 3 Z. Nj. the
iorces advanced, Col Curtis as above indicat-
ed, and Gen. Averill with the main force to-
ward Kelly's Ford. Arriving at the ford short
ly after daylight, the advance guard found it
well defended by dismounted cavalry and
sharpshooters concealed in houses and behind
trees and fences.
The approaches on both sides were rendered
impossible by strong abattis, while the water
was four feet deep. After several attempts to
cross under a hot fire, platoon from the LIST
Rhode Island cavalry, led by Lieut.. Brown,
dashed into the stream, followed by the axmen,
who soon removed the abattis. The gallant
fellows were met by volleys Of bullets, but so
sudden and surprising was the movement that
twenty-five rebels were captured. The whole
force Immediately followed, and the artillery
was taken over with the ammunition in the
feed bags of the horses, carried by the cavalry,
and repacked on the other side.
After hating and resting short time, Gen.
Averill ordered the column forward, aud had
proceeded but mile or two when Fitzhugh
Lees whole brigade were discovered advanc-
ing in vigorous style. Our men had one edge
of one strip of woods, while the euemy hsd a
like position in the timber opposite, with q
wide and clear field bssween the two. Ad-
vancing out of this, both forces appeared in
the open ground, the enemy advancing rapid
ly on our right. with the intention OF turning
that flank, and on our left with the purpose to
charge it.
Both movements were anticipated On our
right they were speedily repulsed by our artil-
lery, and on the left by gallant charge under
Col. Dufiie, who led that portion OF the col
umn. The rebels stood only moment, aud
then turned and fled back into the woods with
disorder leaving their killed and wounded on
the field. After reforming, Gen. Averil again
advanced and took up position a mile or
more beyond, believing that the enemy would
again attack ii an opportunity offered. This
proved true, and the rebels sool advanced
again, this time with artillery.
Their cavalry came mp ON the charge In adj
mirable style, but they were met by terrific
onslaught by the 9TH Regulars and Sd Penn
sylvania, which turned them back in confu-
sion, they retreating down our line by the
flank. which enabled our remaining squadron
to pour in tremendous volleys from their car
bines, emptying hundreds OF saddles, and
completely repulsing the whole charge In
force. They did not modest us again save with
artillery, to which We did not reply, being out
of ammunition. Gen. Averill held his position
until shutdown, and then retired to the north
side OF the river.
The enemy's loss was severe, reaching no
doubt 10 POO, as their wounded were found ev-
erywhere. Our loss will not exceed fifty in
killed and wounded. 1t was square, stand
up cavalry fight Of over four hours duration,
and the result proves that our cavalry, when
well handled, are equal, ii not superior, to the
enemy. In every instance they fled before the
impetous charge of our men.