The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1864-03-12
K1LPATHgCEG's FsADE.

with five thousand cavalry, picked from his
own and Generals Merritt and Gregg's di.
visions, he proceeded to the Rapdan, cross
ing al Ely's Ford. From thence the column
marched to Spottsylvania Court House,
which place he reached without encounter
ing any Of the enemy.
From Spoottsylvania Court House to the
end of his daring journey he was more or
less harassed by the rebels and frequently
found that his lines had fallen in very un,
pleasant places. At the place last named
the command was divided into different par,
ties, who We're to scour the country. as they
proceeded toward q common centre, Rich.
mond.
Every road was to be carefully secuted,
that no concealed foes. even in small num-
bcrs, should be left behind, so as to conccn-
trate and worry him.
The expedition was warlile tour, where
i'll all the fun, chickens, turkeys, geese, hogs.
corn, oats, hay, horses, mules. negroes,
gray backs, whether made Of flesh or paper,
that could be had, were obtained They
carried with them but two or three feeds each
or their horses, and about as many days
rations for tke men, he General being
determined that for once the celebrated
order, = subsist on the enemy's country
should be faithfully executed.
On Monday they reached tho Virginia Central
Railroad, and tore up the track in four places
destroying whatever pro. crty would render
the road useful.
At Frederick's Hail. on the Central Rail.
road. they came upon court martial peace
fully holding Sits sessions. ana captured a
colonel, five captains, and two lientenants.
Gen. Lee had passed over the railroad. on
his way to his afmy, but about an hour be.
fore our men reached it.
AS they passed through the country in
the most good natured way, Questioning as
to whether any lauks had been seen there
lately, the inhabitants could not believe that
II Was Lincoln's cavalry who were paying
them visit. The negroes generally were
delighted, and many, in the presence OF
their owners, asked TO be allowed to 60
Aiong. A large number were thus gathered
together, who cheeriuly trudged along with
the cavalry, delighted at gaining their free.
dom,
Occasionally Union families were en-.
countered, who gave valuable Information,
and freely offered what they had to cat and
drink. Leaving Fredericll's Hall on Mon
day, they pushed on 10 Richmond dctach,
ment OF tive hundred, under Cot Dahlarcn,
keeping well to the right in the drec.
ton Of louisa Court House, while General
fitzpatrick, with the main body, moved up.
on Ashland, both parties securing the coull,
try thoroughly, and doing all possible dam
age.
As the forces neared Richmond the two
main parties began concentrating. Col. Dahl.
gren WAS to move down to the right of
hichmond, destroying rs much of the James
Hiver Canal as possible then taking the
river road, was to cross opposite aud enter
the city from the south side, and attempt
the dellverance Of the prisoners on Belle
Isle. General Fitzpatrick, with the main
body, was to attack the city by the Brooke
turnpike simultaneously, il possible, with
the other movement.
1t was hoped to reach the city on Monday
night or early on the following morning,
when a partial, if not total surprise could he
effected. Two of those fatalines which
more than once during this war have snatch
ed success from the very grasp of those
who, by their vaIor and daring, have richly
deserved the victor's crown, interposed 10
prevent the consummation of one of the
best conceived and most brilliant plans of
the whole war.
Col. Dahlgren had taken a negro to pilot
him to Richmond. The detachment b,d
rapidly moved across the country, destroy.
ing barns, forage, and everything which
could possibly be OF service to the enemy
Pushing on, SO as TO reach Richmond as
soon as possible, Col. DahIgren discovered
that his negro guide had betrayed him, and
led him towards Goochland, instead of to
Richmond, and on Tuesday morning he
found himself miles in just the opposite di.
recion from that which he wished to take.
The negro was promptly hung for his
baseness. Exasperated by this treachery,
the men burned the barns. and out. buildings
Of John A. Sedan, rebel Secretary Of War,