The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-08-03

/ iitttu VI htS tpiunlu tWCtDfuE itRttiy Nc' u
upon him. He lost no time In giving the
order: "Head OF the column to the right
wheel, march," at the same time telling
Frayser, in the most emphatic manner, to
90 to b-l with his Eighth Illinois regi-
ment. He moved of in state OF conster-
nation with his command hurriedly on the
county road leading to the White House.
After telling OF the destruction OF valua-
| BILE transports at Putney's Ferry, on the
Pamunkey, and the capture OF Tunstalps
Station, the outhor says about the cap
ture OF
VALUABLE PRIZE.
Stuart being in a most perilous position
could not long occupy Tunstalps, for he
was within few miles OF the Federal base
and not far removed from the head OF
McClelan's army. He had marched forty
miles on this day, and had whipped and
demoralized the enemy in every encounter.
About twilight his column was again in
motion on the road leading to Talleys-
vile. The burning Of the transports
and wagons illuminated the north
ern horizon and rendered it grand
spectacle for an hour or more after night
fall. Colonel w. ii. +. Lee. after crossing
the bridge spanning Black creek, was in
advance OF the column, and overlook an
immense wagou-train ascending Southern
Branch Hill, which stretched out for miles
on the road. The wagons contained COM
missary and quartermaster stores Of every
kind, which fell like ripe fruit into the
hands OF the Confederates, for there was
no guard with it. The horses and mules
were detached from the wagons, and the
latter, with all OF their contents, were de-
stroyed by fire. This was the most valua-
bic capture made during tins memorable
raid.
The crossing Of the Chickahominy and
the successful arrival OF the command at
Buckland. the residence OF Colonel j. NJ.
Wilcox, follows. Then
A RIDE TO RICHMOND.
About twilight Stuart, after making all
necessary arrangements with Colonel Fitz.
Lee, with whom he left his command, with
instructions to follow at IL o'clock that
evening. left with Captain X. Z. Frayser,
his guide, and courier, for the headquar-
ters Of General Lee. near Richmond. The
distance from Buckand to Richmond is
about thirty miles, and the country through
which he had to pass lay in the enemy's
lines, and the route he took is known rs the
w
capture byscouting parties, he dashed over
the road without the least fear. At Row.
lands Mill, about six miles from Charles
City Courthouse, Stuart drew rein 10 quaff
cup OF strong coffee "a iavOrite beverage
OF his) and to rest fifteen minutes or more;
then, springing in the saddle, he galloped
off in the direction Of Richmond.
THE ARRIVAL AT RICHMOND.
The writer never saw this dashlng officer
on IN inferior horse. although he had been
with him on many long and weary march.
AS Stuart approached the neighborhood of
White-Oak Swamp with his guide and
courier he was in great danger OF being
captured or shot, for it is but a short dis
tance from White-Oak Swamp to the road
upon which he was travelling at that time,
and the swamp was occupied by General
Hooker. with his command, who could
have intercepted the bold raider without
the slightest difficulty had he known Of his
approach. At this point he had the James
very near him on the south and General
Hooker on the north in uncomfortable
proximity. But this never delayed Stuart
minute in his important mission. He
moved rapidly on and arrived at General
X. T.. Lees headquarters before sunrise
the following morning.
EFFECT OF TIE RAID.
This raid was full OF exciting incidents,
and will never be forgotten by those who
participated in it. General Fitz. Lee. with
whom Stuart had left his command at
Buckland, arrived within the Confederate
lines in due time with all the prisoners and
other captures that had been made on the
expedition. This brilliant achievement OF
Stuart was heralded by the press through
out this country and Europe. The great
military genius OF this daring leader was
at once recognized by the Confederate
authorities by making him maior-general
OF cavalry, and subsequently commander
in-chiei OF the same.
This raid also gave General Lee the IN
formation he desired, for it disclosed Nc
CIelan's position on the Chickahominy,
and the advantages derived from it enabled
him to strike that terrific blow which re-
suited so dsastrously to the Federal arms
IN the seven days fighting around Rich
mond. driving Mcclellan to Harrison's
Landing, on the James, where he sought re-
fugc under his gunboats. which raised the
siege OF Richmond and gave the people OF
that city temporary relief and much en-
couraged the Confederate forces.