American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1864-07-13
ARMY Correspontlence.
CAVALRY CANT, NEAR cntRLEs CRY PorNT, VA,
june %. 1851

CAVALRY CANT, NEAR CHARLES Cry PoINT VA,
June 20, 1851
MAJ. ANDERSON: Dear Sir Hay
ing previously promised you an occasional
item, l now propose giving you brief
and miscellaneous account of our recent
raid through several counties of Virginia.
The lst and 2nd divisions of Sheridan's
corps, left Bottom Bridge, June 9TH cross
ed the Paumunky riverand trayelednorth
ward on the 7th, and 9th We thought
our destination was Fredericksburg, but
we changed direction ere long, and nthe
1lth arrived at the Va Central r. r.,
where a considerable rebel force was sta
toned holding it. Our brigade charged
on their right, the centre of which was
Sannets Tavern in which were a force of
rebel sharp-shooters; we took the house
handsomely. The rebels then fell back
into the r. II. ditch few rods in rear Of
the house but we charged on themagain;
drove them out of the ditch and followed
them about one-half mile, where we form
ed across the track and held it; the next
day Sunday l2th,) we tore up about six
miles Of the road The causalties of our
Regiment in killed and wounded were 81;
of our company,.J Wolford, killed
Hugh Hamilton, John Derigan, Thomas
Bogues, wounded. We captured over
300 prisoners, about one thousand contra
bands, including men, women and chill
dren. We came back to White House,
June the goth, as that place was about to
be evacuated on account of getting army
supplies up the James river. We had
large supply train of over 500 wagons to
guard to the front. The Johnny's court
ed the train very much, and used all their
arts to get it, but we routed them, from
White House. ] do not know their force,
but l understand it was the same we had
fought at the r. r. Our division suffer
ed considerably on the oath. We were
ordered to hold road at St. Mary's
Church, while our train passed. on anoth-
er. We did hold it, but had to fall back
after a severe contest against three times
our own number; but fortunately not
wagon or piece of artillery fell into their
hands. Col. Covode was kills. he is
much regretted by the Regiment; the
lossof the Regimentin al, in killed, wound
ed, and missing, is 43. Our company's
loss is Corp. Thomas NJ Lamiro and private
Hugh Mccormick, killed; John Caldwell,
and VIM. Phelps, missing.
The above named camp is said to be be-
tween 25 and 30 miles from Richmond =
I presume we will rest and recruit our for
ces, as they much need it, or at least stay
till all the trains are safely landed across
the James river; we are now under the
protection of the gun-boats. Our loss in
horses is considerable, but have no idea
of the amount The most of them died
of fatigue, owing to the great amount Of
laborious marching they had to endure
Our squadron, composed of Co.'S. Z and
G, is at present commanded by Lieuten-
ant Coon, of Pittsburg 1t is said the
cavalry has done more service this summer
than they had ever previously done since
the organization. The time has come
when every branch should put forth its ut
most strengthand asquickly and as speed
lily as possible, terminate this unholy re-
bellion which | think now needs only a
few vigorous thrusts to pierce its heart.
Yours Respectfully,
J. II. s.