New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-03-19

FROH THE Army or THE POlOHAC'
Reconnaissance up the KappaAahnocA'
Gallant Cavalry Dash at Kelly's Ford
CROSSING EFFECTED UNDER A HEAVY FIRE.
Engagement with Fitzhush Lees
Brigade.
THE REBELS DEFEATED AND PUT TO RouT.
They Return to the Attack Reinforced.
Again they are Beaten Back with
Slaughter.
REBELLOSS ABOUT 200.
OUR LOSS NOT TO EXCEED FIFTY
List of the Killed and Wounded
epeeisl Dispatch 70 Tire n. y. Tribune.


The following dispatch has JUS: been received;
F,,xoUrH Va. "wednesday, March 49, 1893.
Yopr specil Correspondent who accompanied 6eh'
Averrs Cavalry Expedition has just returned nav
ing left Kelly's Ford this morning at daylight lac
expedition was complete success Gen. Averii'
with detachments from several of his regiments
and one battery Of artillery, left camp on MONDAY
morning TO reconn)iter the Rsppahaunoek hver up
10 the Orange and Alexandria Railroad win H.
stracons to cross snd proceed in the direction OF
Cuperper, and wake up fiz Hugh Lees cavalry,
who ere reported TO be in that direction.
The force reached Mouisville, eighteen miles
out, during the afternoon when portion OF the ad-
vance guard proceeded direct to kelly's Ford,
TWENTY-FIVE miles above Falmouth, and dispeFsing
email BODY OF the enemy the ford and discover
in that it was guarded by dismoanIed cavalry
pickots on the opposite side.
During the night force under Lieut.-Co Curtis
Of the First Massachusetts cavalry was detailed to
advance toward the railroad at Beaeon Station, aud
toEk Run, in the direction of WarreDton.
At 3 a. III. yesterday the forces advanced, Col.
Curtis as above indicated, and Gen. Aver with the
main force toward Kely's Ford Arriving at the
ford shortly alter day Light, the advance guard found
II well defended by dsuounted cavalry sharp
shooters, concealed in houses and behind trees anu
feuee,. The approaches 10 tie ford on both sides
were rendered impossible by strong abats, while
the water was over four feet deep.
After several attempts 10 cross under hot fire,
platoon from the LIST Rhode Island Cavalry, led by
Lieut.. Brown, dashed into the stream, followed by
the ax-men, who soon removed the abatts. The
gallant fellows wsre met by yoeys Of bullets, but
90 sudden aud surprising tue movement that %
Of the Rebels captured before they could get
away.
TIE force Immediately followed, and the artillery
was taken over, with tue ammunition in the feed
bags Of The or.es, carried by cavalry and repacked
on the other side.
After hating and resting short time Gen. Averii
ordered the column forward, and bad proceeded but
O mile OF two when Fnzgugh Lees whole brigade
were discovered advancing in vigorous style.
Our men were immediately brought into poritioD,
supporting the battery which opened at once, while
the main body were formed for charge. Our men
had the edge of one strip Of woods, while the enemy
had ike position in timber opposite, with wide
aud clear field between the TWO.
Advancing out Of this, and both forces appeared in
the apyn srognd, tie enemy advancing rapidly on
our right with the intention Of turning that flank,
and on lett with the purpose TO charge it, Both
movements were anticipated. On our night they
were speedily repused by the artillery, and on the
lett by gallant charge under Col. DAME, who led
that portion Of the column. The Rebels stood only
q moment, then turned aud fed back into the woods
in disorder leaving their killed and wounded on the
field.
After reforming, Gen. Averill again advanced
and took up position mile or more beyond, be'ey-
ipg The enemy would again attack if opportunity
offered. THIS proved tue, and the Rebels soon adj
ysnced again, this time with their artillery. Their
cavalry came Up on the charge i'll admirable style,
almost drawing plaudis from our own men; but
they were met by terrific onslaught from the 9th
Regulars and 81 Pennsylvania, which turned them
back in coniusion they retreating down our line by
the flank, which enabled our remaining squadron TO
pour IN tremendous voeys from their carbines,
emptying hundreds of saddles aud completely repus'
ing the Mole charging force.
Ihey did not modest us again, save with artillery,
TO which we did not reply, being out OF ammunition.
Gen. Averil red his position until rundown, aud
then retired TO the north side Of the river without
the loss VI men. The enomy's loss is severe,
reaching no doubt 300 az their wounded were found
everywhere. Our own loss will not exceed fifty in
killed and wounded. 1t was a square, stand-up
cavalry fight over -four hours DURATION and the re-
sut proves that our cavalry, when well handled, is
equal, if rot superior 10 the enemy. In every in.
stance they fed before the impetuous chrrge Of
meD.
The following officers were killed and wounded:
Lieut.. Cook, let Rhode Island, killed.
Lieut.. Domingo, 4th ~ Y, MORALLY wounded.
Nj. Chamberlain, Chief Of Gen. Averilrs staff,
seriously, in the face.
Lieut.. Eowdilch. let Massachusetts,, severely, in
tie abdomen.
Maj. Harrington, Int r. l., slightly, in the neck
Capt. Weichei, 30 PenDsy lvania, In the leg.
Lieut.. Vote 9th Ohio, sabre cut in the head.
Capt. Mcbride, ith Pa, not dangerously.
Lieut.. Thompson, lst K. l., not seriously.
From fifty TO seyenty.fiye prisones taken in
the various charges, including Major Breckenridge
Of tue IL, Virginia Cavalry.
To The Associated Press.
HEADQUARTERS AKMY oY THE P0TOYAc,l
WedDe.Gdy, MArchlB lGGJ.