New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-03-03
Neither axes nor ruttailsd files could DO found in his

Neither axes nor ratailsd files could DO found in his
command.
1t impossible to spike the guns or chop the gun
carriages to pieces they contented themselves with
blowing up the caisons and destroying the camp. In
the mean time the enemy raDyng with the rapid
ity and zeal Of goal at the call of their Chief
Several pieces of artillery belching forth their
destructive notes at audacous invaders and the main
body Of Gen. Custar's command coming up the enemy
were driven short distance to give us foothod the
crest Of the saws hill with themselves. Between
troops and the tho enemy gathering in great
force. everything warned get away pos
sible lest Il might be our lot to get surrounded.
They had autographed from Charlottesville to Orange
Court House that unlimited visitors there and aid
was needed to expel them from the neighborhood The
answer 10 these dispatches toward evening In the
shape Of five carloads of infantry There was nothing
'eit US now but speedy retreat.
Horses were wheeled about, and toward sunset the
'ayenna was recrossed. and the bridge burned. All
The mills that could be found in the neghborhood were
destroyed. In returning the advance was given 10
Col Stediaan, who commanded the brigade of 500 men,
chosen from Gen. Gregg's division
The night was very dark and the rain that continued
TO fall was mingled with sleet .......,..a
Gen. Custar, who followed with 900 men, who COM
posed the remnant OF his command, got lost in the
gloom. For some time they attempted to binder
through deep and muddy rayne into which they had
esraye; but when they thought Of the two pieces Of
artillery all hope of getting through with them
given up. .
Stedmsn with bis 500 men, continued on their course
which, luckily for them, correct and about o'clock
Tuesday morning they reached our infantry picket
outside Of Madison Court House
Gen Gustav finding it impossible TO proceed further.
bivoaoked that night In the woods while he parted his
horses and refreshed his men.
General Stuart, with 1900 cayarymen Of wiekhams
and Fitzhugh Lees brgades was marching toward his
rear. Next morning. about O'Clock, General Custar
marched toward the right road, having found 1t and
marched upon it short distance, when he discovered
that Stuart with bis ragged but indefsgable followers
had succeeded IN getting into his rear.
As they nearsd Stannardsylle which Is shout fnees
miles from the picturesque little village of Madison the
Rebel cavalry we're seen drawing in line across the
road. This meant hostility. For sometime the officers
of our little command we're at a loss what to do.
Tho object Of their wcnrisomc and dangerous raid
wes 10 draw the Rebel cavalry away from the Central
Road 10 Richmond but they had no intention Of draw
ing them FIR TO their All that bothered our
troops was the section of Ransons Battery and that
slightly impeded their progress.
Ingenerai council it was proposed to throw these two
Parrot guns into the nearest and deepest ditch but
Gen. Custer protesting declared he wcad fight his way
through. He ordered charge. which was led by him
In person.
The Rebels stood their ground manfuy, but two guns
now opened or Them and completed their discomftur
that fast causing their lines waycr. They fed
hastily, and our men pursued them holly till they
reached another road. which afforded chance for
egress. .........t
Three Rebels were killed in this charge, and consid
cradle number wounded. Many prisoners fcn into cur
hands Of whom succeeded In making tbcir escage.
Col. stedman hearing the fring In the direction OF
and knowing II must be Custar. started
with bis baggage horses and wearied men, TO the
relief Of the beieaguered party.
They proceeded till the enemy met, and Custar
discovered TO be SAFE when they also returned without
damage.