New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-03-04

norant Of the fact that the column had halted ooainned
the march toward Madison Court House. arriving there
some time during the night Ordercs were dispatched
by Gen Custar to Col Stedman, directing him to re-
turn but owing TO the darkness Of tho night and the
distance Col. S. had advanced beyond the main col
umn, they were unable to intercept him.
By this Gen. Custer was left with only 600 men,
nearly 90 miles from any infantry support and In ex'
treme danger Of being intercepted and cut of by
vastly superior force Of the enemy Understanding the
peril Of this isolated condition Gen C. was prepared
for my emergency which might arise. Should he De
intercepted and find himself unable to retire by the road
no went ont he prepared to strike to the northward
into the Luray Valley. returning through one OF the
gaps Of the Blue Ridge. The skful manner In which
he subsequently completely outgeneraled the enemy
rendered this ronte unnecessary.
Early Yesterday morning the column began its march
toward Madison Court House. being but slightly har-
raised by the enemy, who seemed to be mancuverins
not for the specific purpose Of fighting but with the
intention Of surrounding and capturing Gen. Clusters
whole party. A short distance below Benks's Mills,
the point ut which Gen. c. intended to recross the
Rapidan is Burtons Ford, from which Is road run.
ming northwest, and striking tho Stannordsvilc road
two miles from the river At the junction Of these
roads on an eminence. large force Of Rebel cavalry
discovered posted. They were Immediately charged
and driven back In confusion the Burtons Ford road
while our artillery, which soon placed In position
the hin formerly occupied by them poured in well
directed FIRE upon them the first shell killing three Of
the enemy.
In the first charge thirty Rebel prisoners were taken.
who stated that the whole Of Wickhams brigade, com
maaded by Smart in person In our 'front.' the major
portion being at Bankss Mills Ford awaiting Clusters
approach. Without a moments hesitation, Gen. G.
conceived and executed plan for his e1tricaiion from
his perilous situation Ordering another charge upon
the enemy tho Burton Ford road and leading II In
person he is wont 10 do, he again drove back the
Rebels still further toward the Ford, until their aes at
Bankss Mills. comprehending the danger OF their
friends position. and believing Custer determined to
at Burton's Ford down tho river to their
support. 1t then that Clusters tactics became ap
parent 10 the sstonished enemy.
Facing his battle lines BY the flank his olo force
was almost instantly moving down the roGH with the
speed Of the wind toward the Stannardsvile road,
which, striking. he wheeled 10 the left and reaching
Bankss Nin Ford recrossed tho river thus completely
GLIDING the OF the enemy who seemed confident
of gobhlng" his whole command. The tactical ability
displayed by Gen Custer eli spoken Of In the most
plimentary terms.
Tux Of CIbIfhe
There can now be improperly in disclosing the
object of the late movement. II IL doubtless generally
known that the reconnaissance by Custer supported By
infantry simple diversion in favor Of Kipstroh
who has not yet returned from hs raid In the direction
Of Richmond. That the attention OF the enemy has 70
considerable degree been drawn the left wing Of
Lees army by Clusters demonstration, 10 confirmed By
Rebel prisoners who repor. their officers TO have been
in great state Of trepidation, believing senstsr
raid IN progress their ef Confirmation 10 saso had
In the fct that large number Of troops wcrc conccn'
trated around Charlottesville to resist advance
Among our captures arc sixtJ prisoners and . oun'-
Der Of valuable horses. Three Rouring-ins six co.'s
sons two FORCES complete act Of artillery harness and
eight wagons loaded with counissary st'rea voTo 20
stroyed during the raid. Capt Paine. OF the 1opo-
graphical Engineers. accom- panied the expedition, FOR
the purpose Of making observations and gained very
important and valuable information appcrtanng To his
department We lost none In killed. and but ten or
twelve wounded We lost none in prisoners