The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-09-22
FROM GEN. LEES ARMY.
The late Cavalry Fight.
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
Army Northern Virginia,


Army Northern Virginia,
North side Rapidan, Sept. 15. J
| At very early hour on last Sunday morning,
the 18th inst, your correspondent was informed
that the Yankees were crossing at Rixey and kel-
Tvs fords Soon after intelligence came that they
were crossing at all the fordable points on the
Rappahannock between the two forcs mentioned
above Gen. Stuart, with bis usual vigilance,
had not allowed himself to be surprised. Soon
bugIes of the various regiments were sounded,
and the men sprang into their saddles promptly
and dashed off to meet him. very heavy.
column of cava fy, accompanied by several patte-
ries, had crossed the river at Kelly's and was
marching cautiously on the road leading from this
ford to Brandy. They had net'with very little
resistance until they reached this point, having no
force to contend with that of pickets. Here
the 9th and 18th reg iments skirmshed with them
for some time. They were finally driven back.
Gen. Lomax reinforced the above regiments
promptly. Another engagement Immediately en-.
sued, in which the 9th and 18th participated
largely. Both fought splendidly; the 9th has
long since won a glorious name for proWess. But
with all the valor evinced, the overwhelming
column OF the enemy could not be checked our
cavalry retiring slowly until it reached Mountain
Run Here a squadron OF the 10th made bold
charge and drove the enemy back short dis
tance
1t was here we lost two pieces Of artillery that
had been placed in position to hold ford below the
railroad bridge. The regiment that had been
placed in supporting distance of this artillery
changed it's position through a mistake. A portion
of the enemy's cavalry swept around, under cover
of hill and out of view, until they got within a
very short distance, when they charged and took
it. About the same time another gun was cap
tured by very rapid flank movement on our left
While I regret to record the loss OF these guns,
| do not believe it could have been avoided. Dur
ing the engagement at Culpeper G.. H., COL
Gordon moved up on the Stevensburg read and
attacked the enemy vigorously on his left flank;
but, fearing he might greatly cripple his command
by prolong ing the fight, he retired on the Rae
coon Ford road, the enemy in hot pursuit of him
The 9th regiment commanded by Major Flour
noy, made very brilliant charge, and succeeded
in repulsing the enemys sharpshooters The
enemys cavalry supported by Gen. Warren's
command-the 18th army corps. The fight con-
tinued until twilight, having commenced about
o'clock in the morning. Our loss in killed and
wounded will not reach fifty men.
General Stuart fell back to the Rapidan, where
he bivouacked for the night He was in his sad
die early yesterday morning, and made a
spirited attack on the enemy near Rapidan Station.
The engagement lasted all day. The Horse
Artillery, commanded by Maj. Beckham, did
terrible execution. / witnessed a number of
riders endorsed There was skirmshing at Rae
coon Ford ON yesterday between our cavalry and
the enemy. l hear of but few casualties on our
side Skirmishing is still going on here this
evening. But [ am inclined to think this feint,
and that the enemy will cross the Rapidah below
this point, perhaps at Raceoon or Gernana Fords.
While l. write, three o'clock p NJ, I eau hear
firing down the river
FROM NORTHERN VIRGINIA.-The intelli-
gence from the army of Gen. Lee is of an interest
ing character. Although there has been no fight
ing of any consequence since Sunday, there is
strong probability that general engagement will
occur within the next few days. There seems to
to be no doubt that the enemy is advancing in
force, their infantry having crossed the Rappahan-
mock, and advanced far South as Culpeper Court
House.-Disputch 17M.