The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1864-03-12
FROM the SOUTH
From the Richmond Whig1
HOW DALGREN WAS KILLED.

From information derived from rela-
BILE source, it appears that the credit of the
capture of the 'Dalgren party is mainly due
to Captain William NJ. Magruder, and a
squadron of Robins battalion under his
command, who have, for some time past,
been posted in King and Queen county as
corps of observation. Learning that the
enemy was moving down the north bank of
the Matapont, by the river road, with the
evident intention Of reaching Gloucester
Point, Captain Magruder determined to an
ticipate him, and. with this view, left his
camp with about one hundred of his COM
| mand, and Lieutenant Pollard and seven
teen men of the 9Th Virginia Cavalry, mo
king for point on the river between Man
tua Ferry and King and Queen Court House
which he succeeded In reaching in advance
of the enemy.
| Posting his command at an eligible point
along the road in ambush, he had not long
to wait before the enemy made bis APPEAR
ance, headed by Dalgren himself, slowly
and cautiously approaching, as if apprehen-
sive of their impending fate. As the head
of the column neared the point of conceal
ment, Dalgren's attention was attracted by
slight rustling in the bushes, occasioned,
doubtless. by the movement of some of our
party. Drawing his pistol, be called out.
Surrender, you damned rebel, or I'll shoot
you In an instant, privats Nc Cloy spraag
into the road, and, leUelins his piece, shot the
miscream dead. A general volley was then
poured into the enemy's ranks, which had
the effect Of emptying their saddles and
killing as many horses, and throwing the
rest into inextricable confusion. Then en-
sued scene Of the widest panic, which was
heightened by the intense darkness of the
night. Each man looked to his own per-
sonal safety, all sought refuge in fight, End
squirting their jaded horses over the bodies
of their wounded, and over each other, the
whole body broke pell. nell over ditch
and waiting fence, which the most adventu-
rous fox-hunter would hardly have essayed
in the heat OF the chase, into small field.
Captain Magruder Immediately disposed
his force around the field so as to prevent
all egress, and quietly awaited the approach
of daylight, when the whole party surren-
dered without resistance.
"Mnch praise is due Captain Magruder
for his GOODNESS and judgment in this affair.
If he had ordered charge upon the dis.
comfted enemy in the road, the probabili,
ty is that some of our own men would have
fallen by the hands of their comrades in an
indiscriminate fight in the dark while the
opportunities Of escape by the enemy would
have increased. As it was, the prudent
course adopted secured most effectually the
result desired without single casualty on
our side. This account strips the valorous
Dahlgren's name Of the little eclat which
might have attached to it il be had fallen,
as was at first stated, while boldly leading
charge in an effsrt to cut his way through
our lines. He was shot down as be dsserv :.
ed to be, like thief in the night with his
stolen plumber around him, while seeking
under cover OF darkness, to elude the pun.
ishment he so richly merited.
RICHMOND ACCOUNT OF THE RECENT RAID.
The Richmond Dispatch of Monday saws:
"When the recent raid commenced, General
Lee was in Richmond, and the command of
his army had not been assigned to anybody
In particular, consequently nothing was
done. General Lee was summoned by tele
graph, and when he arrived he started a
column out to intercept General Custar i
After marching nearly to Madison Court
House, intelligence was received that the
enemy was in his rear He accordingly
wheeled about and marched back, and be-
fore the mistake was discovered Custar re-
tired in safety. General Stuart succeeded
in throwing himself in front of Gustav. but |
IN consequence of the disparity of forces be
was unable successfully to oppose his re-
turn
80 TIE EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS.
ood me same paper, noticing the arrival Of
oVV Confederate prisoners BY flag of truce,
says tney are not exchanged, but returned
on Darola under +bo k,ll - A.