The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-06-21
THE CAVALRY OPERATIONS.

Since tie enemy crossed 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 1st, I'd, Sd
and 9th North Carolina regiments, after the un-
timely fall of its brave and noble commander, Gen.
j. Is. Gordon, commanded by Colonel An
drews, of the I'd North Carolina till the command
was joined by the Sd, which subsequently, reached
us from North Carolina Col. Baker, of that regi-
ment, being the ranking officer took temporary
command until Gen. = Nj B Young, Of Georgia,
was assigned to US. The brigade was placed in
Gen. W Ii E Lees division, whose past gallant
conduct has won for him our most implicit conf.
dence
The Fight tho, Riyey Road
On Thursday morning, May 26, our brigade oc-
cupying the right of our moving lines, near Han
over Court House, the enemy was found to be
crossing the Pamunkey at Hanover Town, on his
sldeiong movements towards Richmond. Our,
brigade, nnder Col. Baker, was moved out down
the river road to feel aud ascertain the force ad
vancing The Sd North Carolina was thrown for
ward and skirmished hotIy with their advance, re-
tiring slowly upon the other Part Of the command,
lying few miles back, while portion OF the Ma
ryland line and squadron of the 5th North Car
ona, moved out upon right flank; and it
ascertained that heavy body Of the enemys cav
airy was moving on our flank. The whole COM
when the advance of the enemy had the audacity
-mstaking our Withdrawal for a rout-to charge.
our rear but were handsomely net by detach-
ment from the list and 3D. regiments, under Major
Cowles, killing and capturing part of their mum
Der, and sending the remainder, in confusion,
through the woods and fields. The-command was
withdrawn beyond the line of the fanking party,
when we were reinforced by Wckmans brigade,
and returned, awaiting the approach Of the enemy
on hut npH at he had
hastily turned his course, a1d had retired from
our left. The command was then moved around
SO as to hang in the enemy's front he advanced.
Thee ofaiy at Kcnnons HhayE
In the meantime, Gen Fitz Lee, with detach-
ment of picked men from brigade auG the
other brgades Of his division, moved upon body
Of the enemy strongly posted at Kennons Wharf,
on the James, in Charles City county, and attemp-
ted, by coup dc main to carry the position; but,
finding it too strongly fortified aud defended, he
retired without accomplishing his purpose. Our
brigade lost severely in the daring attempt.
The Fight at Buckeye.
Gen. Hampton came down from Gen. Lees
front, and assumed command Of the cavalry corps,
which lent our troopers feeling of renewed conf
dence which had been to some extent paralyzed
by the fall of gallapt, lonhearted Stuart, at
whose name now every troopers bosom "heaves a
sigh," bat we console ourselves whose 'like we
uiW see IN the person of the brave successor who,
we hope, will consent to be our leader. The
tire cavalry has the most unbouhded confidence,
in his Abilities and, besides, esteem for his per-
sonal qualities
On the 28th, Gen. Hampton, with " II
Lees division of Buffers Brigade made recon
nossance down IN the vicinity of Old Church.
Buffers brigade met the enemys ADVANCE
strong body of cavalry-on Crump's run, near Old
Church, and drove them steadily before him. In
the meantime Gen w Fl T Lee, with our brigade,
swung round by means Of by-ways, on the enemy's
right faux, and opened heavy artillery fire upon
them, at the same time, throwing out his dismoun-
ted skirmiShers who engaged the enemy holly,
driving them back some distance. The fight rag
ed for several hours along the entire line-thc
enemy infantry who had come up to the support
of their cavalry, taking part-our men firmly
holding their ground with their carbnes. The
incessant cracks Of our carbnes, intermng led with
the pea!s of the enemys musketry at close range,
and the constant heavy booming Of artillery, might
we'll dignity the affair with the term of battle
In one instance, he Goth Georgia battalion, COM
paratively new troops, impctuously charged hca-
Wy body of infantry strongly posted on hill. They
cambercd up the hill in the face Of most deadly
fire. thinning half their ranks, and dashed almost
upon the points Of the enemy bayones, but
compelled by the force of sheer numbers to retire
their thnned and bleedipg ranks. This daring
act cost them the loss OF all their field and many
of the line officers, and many good and gallant
men The South Car61inians fought with 10 less
courage and gaIlantry, moving unquaiIing!y
through the lcadcn Storm that poured in their faces
from the heavy lines Of the enemy The North
Carolinians drove their flank in, and held them in
check also enga ,ng their infantry supports that
moved up to that part of the line, and retired in
good order the other parts Of the line moved of,
the enemy showing no disposition TO follow. This
vas accounted for by an expression Gen. Meade
Cwhosc corps we had engaged) let fall to lady in
the vicinity. On being asked how the fight went,
he replied: ooh, madam these rebels have fought
US we'll, and it might be calloi drawn battle
The brigades of Wickham and Lomax also came
up; we arc unable to say to what extent they par
ticipated.
Afai, at Ieoh's Station
On the 29th the enemy made demonstration
upon Peaks Station with both cavalry aud intan
try, but were promptly met BY Gen. Hampton who
took position at that place in their front and
awaited their approach. The enemy not liking
the appearance in their front I've had thrown up
some hasty fort;fcations retired prcepitatey, fol-
lowed by detachment thrown QUITO hurry them,
which captured several prisoners,
Fight at Hdnoccr Court H9use.
The enemy had moved strong force of cavalry
and infantry to make some demonstration on our
left in the vicinity Of Hanover Court House,
which subsequently turned out to be the base for
a grand raid around our left. General Hampton,
on the evening Of the 31st, moved around and ap-
IL