The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1863-10-21
The Recent Cavalry Fighting in Cul.
peper.


The Lynchburg Viryiniam publishes
the following extract from letter which
gives the first intelligible account of the
recent cavalry fighting in Culpeper that
we have seen:
Last night while we were the only brigade
of our corps left on the line of the Rapidan,
near Raccoon ford, the enemy, suppose to
cover the retreat his army, attempted, and
cavalry and artillery force at the ford below
us. Small as our force was it had to be di-
vided, and one part was sent to aid the caval-
w at the lower ford while the rest remained
at Raccoon ford. The portion at the lower
ford (Morton's fordD engaged tie Yankees at
an early hour this morning, keeping them at
bay. No demonstration was made against
the upper ford, where l was stationed. The
enemy's flank was thus exposed to US. Gen.
Fitz Lee determined to take advantage Of
this, aud about 10 o'clock crossed over at
Raccoon ford with q brigade of cavalry
and our force of inlantry-about two regi-
ments. A fine charge made upon their
flank relieved our force engaged below, and
they commenced retrograding They did
not, however, fail to offer stubborn resist
ance and more than once our cavalry showed
signs Of giving way. Oar infantry was
brought up, and upon the Yanks' getting a
view of them. they allowed their discretion
to surpass their valor, and yielded to the ne
C ssity Of the case. Our forces pressed the
advantage thus gained, and the Yankees, not
having succeeded in uniting their whole
force, continued to retreat. After this was
kept up for while. they were more success
full iu getting their whole force together, and
In the vicinity of Stevensburg, . small VII
lage, they drew up their lines in command
ing position and offered US battle. 1t was q
grand eight to see their numerous lines
drawn up in battle array on the Wide ex-
tended plain.
We were in an open field, as level as floor;
they occupying the only eminence In the vi.
cinity Orders soon came from General Lee
(Fitz for US to advance and charge them
There was no aanking, no shelter, no prOtec-
tion whatever to our mLn, but the manner in
which our lines advanced drew encOmiums
from every beholdcr. The charge WAS made
with cheer. They delivered terrible yOlleys
OF musketry In our midst, and their artillery
ploughed thre ugh the lines; but there was
battle their yell was heard. On and on went
the line-vOlley after volley was poured
against them; but resistance by the Yankees
was useless. They begin to waver, and, In q
moment more, away 20 their lines to the
rear In one confased mass. II was grand
sight. Our cavalry continued the pursuit,
our brigade not being hotly engaged again
xbC Pu10ukt W - COOth11OO0 Ut4ts4 VIC b1zsIA1GO
Brandy Station, near which we now are.
desperate fight occurred at this point
between the opposing cavalry forces. For
while the issue was doubtful, aud once !
feared . panic in our cavalry. They rallied
to waver NO more flll the Yankees were
driven beyond the Rappahannock, at Kellys
ford. A decided victory has been gained BY
our troops. The moral effect gained by the
movement Of our Commanding General,
Lee, cannot be oveT-estimatcd.
In conclusion, Il gives me great pleasure
to bear testimony TO the valor and lighting
qualities Of our cavalry. Id the past, they
may have acted badly, but not 20 to-day
Their condnet In this engagement haa been
beyonA reproach- Il was Gallaat-wosthy q
the most chivAlgO0e aGA
Oar loae hae beea aoyers-aog 60 heaSy @
psisoo1Sa, With tAelY h0s1n an4equ3pmen1s;
and vhaEuae m0so "a tho puspooe q or
hangy ~, : eoo4 uany boalo q csaek-
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