JULY 1-7, 1863.--Expeditions from White House to South Anna River and
Bottom's Bridge, Va.
No. 10.--Report of Col. Samuel P. Spear, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry.

YORKTOWN, VA., July 10, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by
the cavalry forces under my command in a reconnaissance lately made to the
South Anna River, at the crossing of the Richmond and Fredericksburg
Railroad bridge, as follows:
In obedience to circular, dated White House, Va., June 30, 1863, I left
camp on the 1st day of July, 1863, in command of my own regiment and five
small companies of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry, in all about 1,200
men, and proceeded as the advance guard of General Getty's column to King
William Court-House.
At this point, I founds small cavalry picket of the enemy, charged him, and
captured 2 men and horses, also a quantity of small-arms. The arms I
destroyed, and sent prisoners to the rear.
Continuing my course, I captured at the Brandywine 2 Confederate detectives
of the Richmond police force. These, with papers, orders, horses, &c., I
also sent under guard, to report to the commanding general. At this point I
encamped.
On the 2d, I led the advance to Taylorsville, destroying five ferryboats on
the river and charging and taking prisoners, Lieutenant --, commissary, and
7 privates. These were also sent to the rear. At this point the ferry-boat
at Taylorsville was destroyed, and the bridge at Widow Nelson's. This
bridge was about 70 yards long, and well built; it was burned to the water
s edge.
On the morning of the 4th, I was ordered to take the advance to Hanover
Court-House, and thence to the Richmond and Fredericksburg crossing, or
railroad bridge, on the South Anna, and "report to Brig. Gen. R. S. Foster."
I advanced, and found, every 2 or 3 miles, picket stations. I charged and
drove them in at every one. About 6 p.m. I arrived at the destined point,
and found the railroad bridge well guarded. I also found, about 400 yards
above, a county bridge (so called), a wooden structure. I immediately sent
to the rear, and found General Foster had not come up. I therefore
advanced, and when within 100 yards of the bridge, in company with Capt. P.
A. Davis, of the Seventh Massachusetts Battery, I was fired upon by
musketry and artillery (a 12-pounder howitzer). I immediately halted,
placed my cavalry in position, and got Davis' battery together, and was in
the act of placing it in position in an adjoining field when General Foster
rode up, took command, and changed the position selected by me for the
battery. General Foster then being in command, and I having reported to
him, I acted under his orders till I returned to the White House, July 7,
when I reported in person to General Getty.
I will here state that the railroad bridge was of wooden trestle-work,
about 100 yards long, and in the center about 70 feet high. The guns used
were three in number, one a 12-pounder howitzer, one an 18-pounder
howitzer, and the third a 10-pounder Parrott gun. I only judge this by
sound and ammunition used. Had not General Foster come up as he did, I
should have opened fire in ten minutes.
Trusting my report may be favorably received, I remain, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
S. P. SPEAR,
Colonel Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Capt. HAZARD STEVENS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.