New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-03-04
Details Of Gen. Custer's Rid Toward
Charlottesville.
From Our Special Correspondent.
CULPEPPER CoUgT-NoUsE, Va,

Y
Wednesday morning, March 2, leGs
Con. Clusters accommodating expedition re-
turned to camp last night after having completed when
the time EMPLOYED and the numerical force engaged Is
considered one Of the most daring raids Of the
In nv dispatch of Monday mentioned the fact tina.
the expedition which consisted Of detachmens from
the lst I'd and 5h United States, 9th Ohio 9th Penn
sylyana lst Eew-York and LIST New Jersey Cavalry In
all 500 men, passed through Madison Court House
early that morning. One section Of Capt. French's
battery commanded by Lieut. Porter accompanied the
cavalry.
The troops were in light. marching order, and moved
RAPIDLY toward Stannardsyile distant southwest from
Madison 10 miles, crossing the Rapidan ut Banks's
Mills Ford. At stannardsville the enemys pickets
we're discovered who retired preciptately before our
advance. Meeting with no opposition, Gen. Curtis
pushed forward 10 the Riyanna River. crossing at
Berner's Bridge long wooden structure spanning the
river at a point distant three or four miles from
Charlottesville which place he had received orders to
reach II possible The Rebel piokets on the opposite
bank withdrew over the hills force crossed, and
after the enemy opened with artillery, without
however doing any injury 10 men who were shelter
ed by the hills on the other side Of the river.
Giving to the peculiar topography OF the country
which wooded and hily the exact location Of the
enemy not at first discovered, and squadron Of
the LIST Regulars depoyed up the river on our right
10 Tecounoitre the enemys position while squadron
Of the 5th Regulars under command Of Capt Ash was
sent down the river left for similar purpose
Discovering artillery camp some distance down the
river Capt Ash, with his squadron consisting of only
sixty men, Immediately charged IT, destroying the huts
blowing up six cassons and burning two battery forges
together with quantity Of harness belonging to tie
battery.
Capt Ashs gallsntry and the bravery Of his men 10
accomplishing this feat In the face Of Rebel cavalry
brigade (Wickhams) drawn up In the Woods not over
three hundred yards distant arc universally mentioned
In terms Of the highest commentator. The enemy
seemed entirely at fault 10 strength and fo- some
time made no direct advance Thanking columns Of In
fantry were Gferward seen, however, moving on
right and left and Gen. Custer having asoertained "
his satisfaction that Wokhams brigade Of cavalry. TO-
gcther with considerable force OF infantry, were in
his immediate 'front.' seeing the hopelossness Of adyanc
ing further in that direction determined to Iecross the
river While the other side Of the river FIVE trains
OF cars were distinctly heard at undoab
edly bringing up re9nforcements On crossing to the
north bank of the river the BRIDGE together with
large Touring mill burned by order Of Gen Custer
The utter impractcablty Of reaching Charlottesville
with his insignificant force being apparent. Gen c.
retired his column up the Stannardsvlc road. hating
soon after dusk TO feed the horses jaded by their
march Of over forty miles. Several faint charges
made on our rear guard by small pursuing party, but
no casualties were sustained by our men.
Owing to the billy nature Of the country and the bad
condition Of the roads 1t was found necessary TO halt
for the night eight miles south Of Stsnnardsve In
to recuperate the exhausted artillery horses.
Lieut. Col stcdman Of the 9th Ohio. commanding the
detachment Of five hundred men from Gen. Groggs
Division, being In advance Of the main BODY and is