JUNE 13-15, 1862.--Stuart's raid, including skirmishes at Hawes' Shop, Old
Church near Hanover Court-House, Garlick's Landing on the Pamunkey, etc.
No. 20. -- Report of Capt. B. B. Mitchell, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry,
of operations in the vicinity of Charles City Bridge, or Jones' Bridge,
June 12.
CAMP, WHITE HOUSE, June 13, 1862.
COLONEL: Pursuant to a special order of the 12th instant I left camp at
6.30 o'clock and proceeded in the direction of Charles City Bridge,
sometimes called Jones' Bridge, on the Chickahominy, our object
being to scour the country between here and that point, observe fords, and
arrest any active or influential persons. I went direct to Saint Peter's
Church, a distance of about 2 miles. On account of the exceedingly bad
condition of the roads we did not arrive there until 8 o'clock a.m. We then
took the right-hand road, leading to what is called the Baltimore Store. We
then turned to the left, and proceeded in an easterly direction about half
a mile, leaving a division hospital on our left; took the right-hand road,
which runs a little west of south and direct to the Forge Mill, and from
there to the Charles City Bridge, where we arrived at 12 o'clock m. We
scoured the country and woods all along the road, visited the houses and
people, but with very little success until we arrived in the vicinity of
the Chickahominy. Here we learned the names and residences of J.P. Pierce,
Edward Oliver Christian (a surgeon), Pearson, and Elijah Ball, who it is
said are in the habit of giving aid and comfort to the enemy. We also
learned that small parties of rebel soldiers were in the habit of prowling
around in that vicinity. We immediately visited Mr. J.P. Pierce, who is
said to be a lawyer and a very influential man. By engaging him in
conversation we soon learned that his sympathies were wholly for the South.
He openly declared that he would not willingly take the oath of allegiance,
and if forced upon him he would not consider himself in duty bound to
respect it, and upon those grounds we arrested him. We next arrested Edward
Oliver Christian, whom we found just returning from Richmond or from that
vicinity. We learned that he had been absent about two or three weeks, and
it is generally supposed that he is connected with the rebel army, which,
from his conversation, I have reason to believe. He stated that he came
down the James River in a carriage without any molestation, and did not
even see a picket guard or anything to in the least obstruct the free
passage of friends or foes. We next arrested Mr. Elijah Ball, who declared
he would stand the test before he would take any oath of allegiance to the
United States. We then proceeded to Mr. Pearson's, who also declared his
disgust at the idea of taking the oath. Pursuant to my orders I brought
them into camp.

It now being quite late in the day, we were obliged to turn our course
toward camp, which we did, not, however, until we had scouted through the
country and along the banks of the Chickahominy. We found the bridges
totally destroyed both at the Forge Mill and Charles City Bridge. We
discovered a small foot-bridge just below where the main bridge had been
destroyed, and also a skiff which was used for crossing over the stream. We
scouted down the Chickahominy about 3 miles, but discovered nothing of
interest except what has already been reported.
After leaving Saint Peter's Church we found the road in excellent condition
and but little traveled. It is mostly through woods, the country being
rather wild and thinly settled. It is well watered and beautifully shaded.
I returned to camp about 8 o'clock p.m. and reported my prisoners. The
weather was very warm and sultry.
I have the honor to report as above.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. B. MITCHELL,
Captain Company F, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Col. JOSIAH HARLAN,
Commanding Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry.