Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-06-16
Correspondence of the Richmond Erquirer.)
N. G. CAVALRY BRIGADE. June 4. 1864.

N. G. CAVALRY BRIGADE, June 4, 1864.
Since the enemy CT ossed the Pamunkey our troopers
have been constantly in the saddle playing we'll their
part in the stirring scenes of the past ten days. This
BRIGADE composed of the LIST, I'd, Sd and 5th North
Carolina regiments after tie untimey fall of its brave
and noble commander, Gen j. B. Gordon, was com.
manded By Col. Andrews of the I'd North Carolina,
till the command was joined by The 3d. which subse-
quenty reached US from North Carolina. Col. Baker,
of that regiment, being the ranking officer, took tenn
porary command until Gen. p. III. B. Yourg, of Ga,
was as lgned to US. The brigade placed In Gen.
W. FL. +. Lees division, whose pest gallant conduct
has wen Tor him cur most implicit confidence
THE FIGHT ON RED RIVER
On Thursday morning, Moy &c, our brigade occupy
ing the right OF our moving lines, Hanover Court
House, the enemy was found to be crossing the Pa
munkey at Hanover Town, on bis sidelong movements
towards Richmond. Our brigade under Col. Baker
moved out down the river road to feel and
tain the force advancing The 81 North Carolina
was thrown forward ard skirmished holly with their
advance retiring slowly upon the other part of the
command lying few miles back, while portion Of
the Maryland Line and squadron of the 5th North
Carolina moved out upon right Tx and it was
ascerained that heavy body Of the enemy's cavalry
was moving On cur flank The whole command was
then slowly retired for distance when the advance
of the enemy had the audacity-mistaklng our with
drawal fer route--to charge our rear, but were
handsomely met by detachment of the lst and Sd
regments under Major Cow les, killing and capturing
part of their runDer and sending the remainder, in
confusion through the woods and fields The comman@
was withdrawn beyond the lire OF the Hawking party,
when We were reinforced by Wickham's brigade, and
returned awaiting the approach Of the enemy On that
road but it was ascertaped that he had hastily turn
ed bis course arc had retired from left The com
mand was then moved around so as 10 hang in the
my's front as be advanced
THE AFFAIR AT KENNoNs WHARF.
La the meantime, Gen. Fitz Lee, with detachment
of picked men from brigade and the other brigades
If bio division p,em
" posted at Kennons Wharf, on the James, IN Charles
City county, and attempted by coup de main, TO car
ny the position but tindpg it too strongly fortified
and defended be retired without accomplishing his pur-
pose. Our brigade lost severely in the daring al
tempt.
THE FIGHT AT BUCKEYE
Gen. Hampton came down from Gen. Lees front
and assumed command Of the cavarY'ccrps which lent
our troops feeling Of renewed confidence. which had
hen to some extent paray by tie al of our gallant
lion hearted Stuart at whose name now every troopers
bosom "heavesa sigh" but We CONSOLE ourselves whose
"ike a0 see in the person OF the brave success sol
vho hope, will ut to be our permanent leader
The entire cavalry has the most unb0uuded condolences
in bis abilities and, besids, esteem for his PERSONA
qualities.
On the 28th Gen. Hampton, with ". H F. Lees
division OF Buffers brigade, made a reconnaissance
down in the vicinity of Old Church Buffers brigade
met the enemy's advances strong body OF cavalry
On Crump's run, near Old Church, aud drove them
steadily before him. In the meantime, Gen. w. I'll F
Lee, with brigade, swung round by means OF by
ways, the enemys right haLk, aud opened heavy
artillery fire upon them at the same time throwing ou
bis djsmounted skirmishers, who engaged the enemy
hotv driving them back distance he fight ra &c
ior several hours ao0g tie entire inethe enemy III
lany who had come up to the support OF their caVa-
ry, taking part-our men firmly holding their grouno
with the carbnes. The incessant cracks Of our car
bines, internngied with the peas Of the enemys mus
kerry at close range end the constant heavy booming
of artillery, might well dignity the afair with the tern
Of battle. In instance the 20 Georgia battalion
cory aratyey troops impetuouSlY charged heaVy
body OF infantry strongly posted on hli ihey clam
bered up the bill in tie face of most deadly ire thin
ming half their ranks and dashed almost upon tie points
of the enemys bayonets, but were mpelled, by INT
force of sheer numbers to retire their hnned and bleed
irg ranks. This dariog cost them the loss OF al
their field ard many OF the line officers, and many goot
and gallant men, The South CarOlinians fought with
10 less couraee aid galiantry, moving unqaaIllnglJ
though the IeadCn storm that poured IN their faces
| from II heavy lines ct the enemy. Toe North Caro-
inians drove their flank in, and held them IN check
also engaging their infantry supports that moved up u
that part OF the ne and retired in good order as th
other parts of the line moved f. the enemy showing M
disposition TO follow. This accounted Tor by al
expression Gen. Meade (whose corps we had engaged
let fall to lady in tie vicinity On being asked how
| the fight went he replied "Oh, madam those rebels
have fought well, and it might he called drawn
battle" The brgades of Wickhan and Lomax aIs'
came up we unable to say to what extent the.
| participated.
| AFFAIR AT PEAKS STATION.
On the 29th the enemy made demonstration upo
| Peaks Station with both cavalry aud Infantry, bu
were promptly met By Gen. Hampton who took Pc
stion at that place in their front aud awaited their ap
preach The enemy not liking the appearance in thei
trout 1--WE had thrown up hasty fortlhcations re
tired precipitately, followed by detachment thrown
out to hurry them, which captured several prisoners
| FIGHT AT HANOVER COURT HOUSE.
The enemy had moved strong force of cavalry an
infantry to make some demo DstratOns left,
the vicinity of Hanover Court House, which subse
uuenty turned out to be the ta5e for grand raj
around our left. Gen. Hampton, On the evening OF th
3lst moved around and appeared in the enemys from
ard prOce dGd to attack him at once cur lett restIn
On The Court Houee ard right beyond the Centre
Railroad. Here brigade was IN advance. Th
list ID, 80, and 5th regiments were dismounted an
double quicked ia with much clan as old veteran II
fantry. The scene was grand. The hot rays of th
last day Of May seemed preparing welcome for To
first summer month, and was fast declining as GU
boys, faded and worn, rushed over bill and saw tn
long black lines Of the enemy sweeping over wild
plain rushing to gain the position that lay before them
| At the same time the white clouds Of smoke from on
cannon gave assurance that we had help frCm behind
our boys dashed impetuously forward hardly waiting
fire. The key to the position the railroad statloC
Major Mcneil Of the 5th regiment, rushed upon il
amid shower of balls that greeted him and his part
from behind the buildings, and took the place, witt
prisoners and held it, using it to the best adVan
tace against the exposed columns of the enemy.
While the first and second gnents did gallant ser
vice on the left the third the right, kept at bay
under heavy fire. the enemy in their attempt to carr
their 'front.' After contendng uneuccessfuly for th
desired position in 'front.' large body OF his infantr
moved around and threatened cur right flank, and,
the same time, another moved against the left Th
centre was then drawn back and held its position unit