MAY 4-JUNE 2, 1864.--Operations on the south side of the James River, Va.
No. 79.--Reports of Maj. J. Stannard Baker, First District of Columbia Cavalry, of operations May 5-17.

HDQRS. FIRST DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CAVALRY,
In the Field, May 29, 1864.
COLONEL: Herewith I have the honor to report briefly the part taken by this regiment in the first raid May 5 to May 10, inclusive:
May 5.--In compliance with the order of Colonel Mix, commanding First Brigade of Cavalry, in the division of General A. V. Kautz, the First District of Columbia Cavalry, under command of Maj. J. S. Baker, marched from Deep Creek, Dismal Swamp, Va., and joined General Kautz's column near Bowers' Hill and reached Suffolk a little after noon, where we halted a short time, then marched toward Blackwater River, and about 9 o'clock in the evening the column halted in the woods for the night and slept a few hours.
Friday, 6th.--Started about 3 o'clock in the morning and crossed the Blackwater in the afternoon, and in the evening halted in the woods near the railroad at Wakefield.
Saturday, 7th.--Before daylight commenced the march and reached the Nottoway River and crossed it near Stony Creek about 3 p.m., where we found the Third New York Cavalry had just met the enemy in a smart engagement and whipped them. After aiding to destroy the railroad station with other buildings and a bridge the column recrossed the Nottoway and halted for the night.
Sunday, 8th.--About 8 a.m. marched for Nottoway railroad bridge above Jarratt's Station, which was reached before noon, where we found the enemy intrenched behind earth-works at the opposite end of the bridge. They came across in considerable force and formed a line of skirmishers and battle along the railroad, from which they were speedily driven into their fortifications across the bridge. After a spirited contest by Companies A, B, C, F, and E, of the First District of Columbia Cavalry, who were dismounted and deployed as skirmishers, under command of Maj. D. S. Curtis, and with vigor and bravery drove the enemy in superior numbers double-quick through the woods more than half a mile and down the track toward the bridge, when we came up with a portion of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Colonel Spear, who had drawn up his men along the railroad on our left. Colonel Spear then ordered our skirmishers to be halted and massed with the Eleventh Pennsylvania to charge upon the bridge, which was quickly done, and our men rushing down the track, the bridge was quickly reached, under the sharp fire of the enemy from shelter of the covered bridge and their breast-works. The bridge was soon fired by the First District of Columbia Cavalry and burnt, when they returned to the road from which we had started and occupied an old building for hospital purposes to care for our wounded. The First District of Columbia Cavalry lost 2 killed and 8 wounded. Among the latter was Lieutenant Jackson, a brave and noble young officer. Several of the enemy were taken prisoners and a number killed. About 5 p.m. we started and marched to Sussex Court-House, where we halted for the night.
Monday, 9th.--Started before daylight and marched to Hawkinsville, from which place the rebel pickets had been driven by our advance guard. By about noon halted a short time, started again, and at 3 o'clock halted for dinner; then marched to an old church within about 8 miles of City Point and halted for the night.
Tuesday, 10th.--Reached City Point before noon and encamped for the night.
Wednesday, 11th.--Crossed the Appomattox to Bermuda Hundred, halted a short time, then marched to near General Butlers headquarters.
J. STANNARD BAKER,
Major, Comdg. First District of Columbia Cavalry.
Col. S. H. MIX,
Comdg. First Brigade, Kautz's Cavalry Division.

MAY 4-JUNE 2, 1864.--Operations on the south side of the James River, Va.
No. 82.--Report of Col. Samuel P. Spear, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations May 5-17.

HDQRS. 2D CAV. BRIG.,KAUTZ'S DIV., 18TH A. C.,
Bermuda Hundred, Va., May 25, 1864.
CAPTAIN: In obedience to instructions received from you as per letter of May 24, 1864, I have the honor to make the following report:
May 5.--The Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, excepting one company on detached service, took up the line of march near Portsmouth, Va., about 5 a.m. Arriving at Bowers' Hill, a distance of 4 miles, they were joined by eight companies of the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry. We then marched direct for Suffolk, where four more companies of the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry joined us, making in all twenty-three companies, twelve of the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry and eleven of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. With this force I proceeded in the direction of the Blackwater River, bivouacking at Andrews' Corners.
On the morning of May 6 we again started, and by a circuitous route reached Birch Island Bridge, Blackwater River (the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry being in the advance). Here, after a short but determined resistance, we crossed. Lieut. L. F. Prud'homme, my acting assistant adjutant-general, was severely wounded in the thigh. At this point the carbineers of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry were dismounted and charged on foot, all under command of Maj. A. J. Ackerly, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. After crossing the river my brigade proceeded at once to Wakefield, on the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad. There the railroad and telegraph line was destroyed, together with a large amount of Confederate Government stores.
May 7.--At daylight my brigade again started, being this day in the rear of the column. Marched direct for Sussex County Court-House. Left it on the left and marched for the Nottoway River to a bridge situated about 4 miles above Jarratt's Station, arriving there about dusk. Mean time the command had been divided, a portion of it (the First Brigade), with which was the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry (one of the regiments of my brigade), going to Stony Creek; the balance of my command(Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry) proceeded to Nottoway River bridge to feel the enemy. After remaining there about an hour the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry withdrew and joined the other regiment, about 9 p.m., near Stony Creek, where all bivouacked. During the day the howitzers of the Eleventh Pennsylvania were left in the rear, owing to the fact that the horses attached to them gave out.
May 8.--The brigade took up the line of march about daylight, and went toward Jarratt's Station, on the Petersburg and Weldon Railroad, the Eleventh Pennsylvania being in the advance. On arriving at the station we were met by a portion of the Holcombe Legion; the carbineers of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry dismounted, and, after a desperate conflict (taking into consideration the number engaged), were repulsed. The Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry was then ordered forward (they all carrying carbines), were dismounted, and ordered to charge the enemy. At the same time the howitzers of the Fifth were playing upon 'the enemy. After a short fight the place was carried; 37 prisoners were taken, among whom were several line officers. Previous to this time about 2 miles of railroad and telegraph line had been destroyed near the station and at it; the office, depot, and a number of public buildings, together with a large amount of Confederate Government stores, were destroyed. My brigade was then countermarched and moved toward Nottoway River bridge, the Fifth Pennsylvania marching by file on the railroad, the Eleventh going by the road. A short time served to bring us to the bridge. Here we found the Fifty-ninth Virginia, under command of Colonel Tabb, and a portion of the Holcombe (South Carolina)Legion. Here the Fifth Pennsylvania was dismounted and made the first charge. The First Brigade, together with Lieutenant Morton's battery, Eighth New York Artillery, and the howitzers of both cavalry regiments (those of the Eleventh Pennsylvania having joined us)assisted in the fight, which lasted about an hour, at the expiration of which time our object was accomplished and the railroad bridge burned. The brigade then, in conjunction with the First, halted for a few hours, then took up the line of march, and bivouacked at Sussex Court-House.
May ----Marched at daylight, in advance, crossed the Nottoway at Allen's Bridge, and took the plank road to Petersburg. When within 9 miles turned to the right; destroyed a culvert on the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad lost 1 man there (prisoner); bivouacked at Mount Sinai Church.
May 10.--Reached City Point about 10 a.m. Remained till next day.
May. 11.--Crossed to Bermuda Hundred and bivouacked, and remained until morning.
May 12.--Again left camp. The forces stationed near Bermuda Hundred made a feint, by which we were enabled to pass beyond the enemy's lines; reached Chester Station about 2 p.m. 3.30 p.m. reached Coalfield Pits, where the Danville railroad was destroyed; bivouacked about 3 miles from Coalfield Pits.
May 13.--Started about 4 a.m. in the direction of Powhatan Station, reached there about 8.30 a.m., Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry in advance, destroyed the railroad, a number of public buildings, and the telegraph line; also seized the apparatus, seized and destroyed eight cars laden with baled hay; also a large amount of corn and other stores. Moved rapidly to the high iron bridge on the Mattoax. Finding it defended by four pieces of artillery and a regiment of infantry, moved back and proceeded to Goode's Bridge, 6 miles below; found that the bridge had been destroyed. Major Stratton, of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, was detailed to superintend its reconstruction, which work he accomplished in three hours. The bridge having been crossed was again destroyed, Eleventh Pennsylvania in advance; reached Chula Station about 12.30 p.m. Here the Eleventh Pennsylvania captured a locomotive, which had brought a train of cars loaded with troops to defend the station; bivouacked near there.
May 14.--Took up the line of march about 4.30 a.m., First Brigade in the advance; proceeded to Flat Creek bridge, Eleventh Pennsylvania on left and Third New York on right; deployed to make a demonstration on Flat Creek bridge. Here, after a lively engagement, some men of the Eleventh Pennsylvania were lost; also 1 officer killed in a charge of carbineers; destroyed the railroad and telegraph line at this point for a considerable distance. Was ordered by General Kautz to fall back. Took the road to Bevill's Bridge. Captain Bayley, Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry, in command of advance guard, took charge at Deep Creek bridge. Saw some 30 or 40 rebel cavalry. On arriving at the Petersburg road, the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry was pushed as a feint down it, and, after the command passing, it brought up in rear. After leaving this bridge about 3 or 4 miles in our rear, the brigades were separated, the Second Brigade going to Wilson's to destroy the South Side Railroad at that point, which was effectually done. Here a courier from General Kautz brought an order for us to report with the brigade at Blacks and Whites, to which point the other brigade had gone. This we did, and upon arriving were directed to move out about 3 miles and bivouac, which was done at Booth's plantation, about 4 miles from Blacks and Whites Station, on the South Side Railroad.
May 15.--Started late, marched to Lawrenceville. Nothing important occurred on the way. Bivouacked at the Brunswick County Court-House. In an outbuilding found and destroyed about 125 sacks of salt. This was done by the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry.
May 16.--Left at daylight. Started on the direct road for Belfield. When within about 4 miles made a detour which brought us to Jarratt's Station, the place where the railroad was destroyed by us a' short time before. Here nothing was done by us, the First Brigade having effectually demolished all Government property, they bring in the advance. Made a forced march to Freeman's Bridge, which crossed the Nottoway, which we reached at 3.30 a.m. and crossed; bivouacked at Major Belcher's farm.
May l7.--Started early. Nothing of importance occurred during the day till about 4 p.m., when the command was within a few miles of City Point. Here a small command of 60 or 70 rebel cavalry charged by a side road, halted within 20 yards of L Company, Eleven Pennsylvania Cavalry, and delivered a fire from shot guns. The company halted and returned the fire, whereupon the rebels took to the woods. One man killed by a fire from the woods. Arrived at City Point and bivouacked.
The following is a list of the casualties in my brigade: Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, 1 commissioned officer and 6 privates killed; 1 commissioned officer, 1 sergeant, and 12 privates wounded. Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry, 2 men killed, 1 captain and 16 men wounded, and 4 men missing. 
The above I believe to be a correct report of the operations of my brigade. Of the Eleventh Pennsylvania I need say nothing as I am colonel of the regiment. All I would say is that they have behaved as usual. To the Fifth Pennsylvania I would particularly call the attention of the commanding general. Every order given them was promptly obeyed, and under fire no regiment could have behaved better. The manner in which the officers and men of this regiment behaved at Jarratt's Station and at the taking and destruction of the Nottoway bridge proved the material to be most excellent and deserves my especial commendation.
I am, sir, with high respect, your obedient servant,
SAML. P. SPEAR,
Col. Eleventh Pa. Cav., Comdg. 2d Brig., Cav. Div.
Capt. M. J. ASCH,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Kautz's Cavalry Division.
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MAY 4-JUNE 2, 1864.--Operations on the south side of the James River, Va.
No. 83.--Report of Lieut. Col. Christopher Keinz, Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry, of operations May 8.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY,
Near Bermuda Hundred, May 24, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the following as the operations of my regiment during the late raids:
On the morning of the 8th instant, previous to which nothing of importance had occurred during the march, we arrived near Jarratt's Station, on the Petersburg and Weldon Railroad. The Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, having been repulsed at the station, my regiment was ordered to the front and directed by Col. S. P. Spear, commanding brigade, to take the place. I dismounted 3 out of 4 of my men, and made such disposition of the led horses as would secure them from the confusion and danger of the fight. The First Battalion was directed by Colonel Spear to be deployed as skirmishers on the left of the railroad. The First Squadron of the Second Battalion I then ordered to deploy on the right of the railroad, with directions to advance and wheel to the left so as to take the enemy on the flank and rear. The section of howitzers of my regiment had already been ordered into position and commenced firing, while the line of skirmishers advanced rapidly, attacking the enemy in the most gallant and vigorous manner, the reserves advancing in close supporting distance. The enemy was strongly posted in houses and behind the bank of the railroad, numbering about 500 men, and as we advanced, poured a most terrific fire into my men, who were without cover. At this time I ordered a charge, and with a yell my men rushed upon the foe, who either surrendered or fled in wild confusion. We captured 37 prisoners, including a captain and 2 lieutenants during the engagement, which lasted about three-quarters of an hour. The howitzers of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry arrived during the engagement and assisted in shelling the enemy's position. We immediately proceeded to destroy the depot and railroad buildings with everything that could be of use to the enemy. The following is a list(*) of the casualties of my regiment at that place. As soon as the destruction was completed, the dead buried, and the wounded cared for, we were ordered to march in tim direction of Nottoway bridge. On arriving near the bridge I was ordered to take a by-road leading to the railroad, striking it about 1 mile below and southeast of the bridge. Here, by direction of Colonel Spear, I dismounted my men, preparing to fight on foot, and found the enemy's skirmishers directly in my front. All my dismounted men, with the exception of about one squadron for the protection of the led horses, were formed in column, and under the personal command of Colonel Spear dashed through the enemy's skirmishers on a double-quick in the direction of the bridge, which was held by a regiment of the enemy s infantry in a strong earthwork. The attention of the enemy had been previously engaged by the dismounted men of the Third New York Cavalry and First District of Columbia Cavalry, and were being shelled by our artillery. My men were ordered to move directly and rapidly on the bridge and destroy it. This they did with so much impetuosity that nothing could impede their way, and while a strong party of the rebels were yet on the bridge, it was taken by my men and the enemy found there captured. The bridge was fired by Company G. of my regiment, commanded by Captain Ker, under a most galling fire-After this was accomplished my men were ordered to retire, which they did slowly and in good order.
I captured 23 prisoners during this engagement, I being a captain. The enemy's loss was very heavy from the fact that they were driven for a mile so closely that they were not able to fire a shot, while my men were deliberately shooting them down. The loss hi my regiment at that place was as follows: Killed, 1; wounded, 9. On the second raid I lost I man, Private Patrick Gartland, severely wounded by an attack made by bushwackers near the Petersburg and Weldon turnpike. The following is a statement of the casualties in my regiment during the late raids: Two men killed, I captain and 16 men wounded, and 4 men missing.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. KLEINZ,
Major, Commanding.
Lieut. J. D. MAHON,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Cavalry Brigade.
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MAY 4-JUNE 2, 1864.--Operations on the south side of the James River, Va.
No. 84.--Report of Lieut. Col. George Stetzel, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, of operations May 5-17.

HDQRS. ELEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA VOL. CAVALRY,
Near Bermuda Hundred. Va., May 24, 1864.
COLONEL: Pursuant to orders from headquarters Second Brigade, Kautz's division, Eighteenth Army Corps, I have the honor to transmit the following report of the operations of my regiment in the recent raid commanded by Brig. Gen. A. V. Kautz:
My regiment left Portsmouth, Va., in light marching order May 5 at sunrise. Arrived at Andrews' Corners at sundown; bivouacked until 12 o'clock midnight. Marched thence via Windsor, near Sycamore Church, Isle of Wight Court-House, to Fearnsville, where we arrived at l0 a.m. May 6. After feeding resumed march, via Cypress Church, Cypress Swamp bridge, to Birch Island Bridge, across the Blackwater River. At this point the advance guard discovered a small party of rebels engaged in destroying the bridge. The advance guard, composed of a portion of Company A, Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, immediately dismounted and charged upon the bridge, driving the rebels from their position. Lieut. L. F. Prud'homme, acting assistant adjutant-general to Col. S. P. Spear, commanding Second Brigade, was severely wounded. No other casualties in my regiment. We crossed the bridge at about 5 p.m. Thence continued to Wakefield Station, arriving there at 6.30 p.m., my regiment being in advance since leaving Portsmouth. Bivouacked until 4 a.m. May 7, my regiment in rear. Crossed the Nottoway at Peter's Bridge. About noon arrived at the Notreway railroad bridge (Petersburg and Weldon Railroad). At sundown found the enemy in force at the bridge and on the railroad; also discovered a large train of cars which had but recently arrived from Weldon, N. C., loaded with troops. Received orders from the colonel commanding brigade to prepare to attack the enemy. I immediately ordered my carbineers to dismount, form in line of battle, and await further instructions. The brigade commander, in his judgment, deemed it best not to attack the enemy in consequence of the approaching darkness. I then received orders to return up the river road about 2 miles and bivouacked at 8 p.m. At 3 a.m. received orders to march to Jarratt's Station, about 4 miles down the river road, past the Nottoway bridge. Arrived at Jarratt's Station soon after daylight. Was directed by Colonel Spear to send forward all my carbineers to attack the enemy, who were in superior force in a strong position at the station. My carbineers made two distinct charges, but each time were repulsed, owing to superior numbers and to the concentrated fire of the enemy. I received instructions from the brigade commander to fall back along the railroad and commence destroying it until re-enforcements arrived, when Jarratt's Station would again be attacked. I placed a large body of men in charge of Maj. F. A. Stratton, Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, with instructions to tear up the track and twist the rails. Said duty was effectually performed by Major Stratton. Some time during the day the Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry arrived, which, together with all my carbineers, including, two howitzers of my regiment, made the second attack upon Jarratt's Station, driving the enemy, capturing 37 prisoners, among them several officers, completely destroying the station, containing a large amount of rebel Government stores. After the destruction of Jarratt's Station I was ordered by the brigade commander to send two companies of my regiment down the railroad toward Nottoway railroad bridge and to proceed with the remainder of my regiment (seven companies) and attack the enemy at the Notreway railroad bridge at the point where the line was first formed on the evening of the 7th. At this point found the general commanding already engaged with the enemy. The enemy was charged from the railroad, driven across the bridge, and the structure completely destroyed. I received orders from the General commanding to communicate by flag of truce with the officer commanding the rebel forces, and, if possible, effect an exchange of prisoners, it having been ascertained that a few of our men had fallen into the hands of the enemy. I found upon communicating with Col. William B. Tabb of the Fifty-ninth Virginia, commanding the rebel forces, that he had but 1 officer and 4 privates in his possession as prisoners. The officer and 2 of the privates were severely wounded. Having carried out my instructions I returned and reported in person to the commanding general, from whom I received orders to mount my regiment and take up the line of march, arriving at Sussex Court-House at dark. Soon after arrival at Court-House I sent two companies to take possession of and hold Allen's Bridge across the Nottoway River about 6 miles from the Court-House. At 3 a.m. May 9 marched via Allen's Bridge (which I repaired), my regiment in advance, to the plank road east of the Nottoway, there turned to the left and followed that road to within 9 miles of Petersburg (making a rapid march of 25 miles without halting and a very hot day), there turned to the right, crossed the Petersburg and Norfolk Railroad, destroyed a stringer bridge 35 feet long, crossed the Blackwater, and encamped 2 or 3 miles beyond at Mount Sinai Church, 10 miles from City Point.
May 10, resumed march, arriving at City Point about noon; encamped at City Point. Left City Point May 11. Crossed the river at Bermuda Hundred and bivouacked about 4 miles from Bermuda Hundred. Received an order to detail two companies of my regiment to report to General Smith, which detail I filled with Companies B and H. May 12, resumed march, crossed the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad at Chester Station; arrived at Coalfield Station on Richmond and Danville Railroad. The station was destroyed; bivouacked on the roadside until daylight. May 13. arrived at Powhatan Station, on Danville and Richmond Railroad; burned fifteen double cars loaded with bale straw; burned the station, containing a large amount of Government stores; also tore up a large track of railroad. Arrived at Goode's Bridge, on the Appomattox River; found the bridge partially destroyed by the citizens. Repaired the bridge and succeeded in crossing at dusk. Arrived at Chula Station during the night. Bivouacked until daylight, found the enemy in the vicinity of the station, destroyed one locomotive, and captured several prisoners. May 14, engaged the enemy at Light [Flat Creek] Bridge. Found the enemy in strong position; had quite a brisk skirmish, in which we lost several men killed and wounded. Among the killed was Lieut. Daniel H. Schriver. Finding we could not remove the enemy from their strong position we were ordered to fall back. The station was destroyed, and we resumed the march to Wellville Station, on the Lynchburg and Petersburg Railroad. On approaching within 4 or 5 miles of Wellville Station my regiment was detached and ordered to proceed to Wilson's Station, 4 miles above Wellville Station, destroying said station and tearing up considerable of the railroad track and burning a large quantity of wood. Thence we proceeded to Blacks and Whites Station, destroying it and a large amount of rebel stores; bivouacked for the night 5 miles from Blacks and Whites Station. May 15, resumed the march to within 7 miles of Hicksford, turned to the left, and proceeded to Jarratt's Station; destroyed said station the second time. Bivouacked at Freeman's Bridge across the Nottoway, which had been destroyed. The bridge was repaired and the command crossed. May 17, returned to City Point about 8 p.m. On arriving within 7 or 8 miles of City Point the rear of my regiment was attacked by 75 or 100 rebel cavalry, killing 1 man. I started in pursuit of the rebels, but failed to overtake them. The following is a correct list of killed and wounded:
The following is a correct list of horses lost and abandoned: Nine killed in action, 45 necessarily abandoned and died along the roadside.
GEO. STETZEL,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
Col. S. P. SPEAR,
Comdg. Second Cavalry Brigade.
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MAY 4-JUNE 2, 1864.--Operations on the south side of the James River, Va.
No. 105.--Report of Col. William B. Tabb, Fifty-ninth Virginia Infantry, of operations May 8.

HEADQUARTERS,
Nottoway Bridge, Va., May 9, 1864.
CAPTAIN: When I arrived with my regiment at Hicksford on the 7th instant I found there General Beauregard's telegram directing me to proceed to Stony Creek and defend the railroad bridge at that point.
I reached this place about sunset the same day, and learned from citizens and from stragglers from Major Zeigler's command that the enemy had burned Stony Creek bridge and were rapidly advancing in this direction. A few minutes afterward a detachment of cavalry, about 500 strong, appeared in my front and made dispositions as if for an attack. Soon after dark they withdrew in a southeasterly direction.
About 8 a.m. on the 8th I discovered a long train of wagons passing in my front along the Halifax road toward Jarratt's Depot. The force at my disposal numbered 600 in the aggregate, consisting of the Fifty-ninth Virginia, two companies (Captain Street's and Captain Owens') of the Twenty-sixth Virginia Regiment, and Captain Bost's company (C), Holcombe Legion Infantry, South Carolina Volunteers. Earlier in the morning firing had been heard at Jarratt's Station. Supposing the 500 men I had seen the evening before to be the enemy's rear guard and baggage escort, I detached 200 men from the Fifty-ninth Virginia and moved with them to a point on the Halifax road 2 miles distant, in the hope of intercepting them. In this I did not succeed. The train passed the point I was making for before I could reach it.
From a prisoner I learned that General Kautz, with 3,000 cavalry and two batteries of artillery, was taking up a position at Chambliss' house and preparing for an immediate attack on Nottoway bridge. I made all possible haste to return to the support of Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, who had been left in command of the force at the bridge. I had established my command on the south side of the river, along a railroad embankment, which effectually protected them from the fire of the artillery in front. Capt. H. Wood, of the Fifty-ninth Virginia Regiment, with 35 men, was posted at Parham's Crossing, 1 mile south of the bridge, on the road leading from Halifax road to Green Church bridge. A line of skirmishers connected this detachment with the main body. The enemy commenced shelling Colonel Jones while I was on my way from the Halifax road. At the same time an effort was made to break through the line of skirmishers. The detachment which I had carried to the Halifax road arrived in time to meet and repel this attack with considerable loss to the enemy. Almost simultaneously a vigorous assault was made on my extreme right. This was handsomely repulsed by Captain Wood. The enemy rallied and renewed the attack at this point with a regiment of cavalry (dismounted)and one piece of artillery. Captain Wood was overpowered, and, after a very creditable resistance, was obliged to give way.
Finding myself largely outnumbered, and the enemy having turned my right flank and gained my rear, I had no alternative but to cross the bridge and take a position on the north side of the river. This I accordingly did, and occupied a small redoubt about 300 yards from the bridge. This movement involved the loss of the bridge, but was the only one by which I could avoid the unavailing sacrifice of my whole command. The enemy pressed me closely and attempted to follow me. They crossed the bridge and advanced a short distance toward the redoubt, but were driven back, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. They succeeded, however, in firing the bridge. Maj. P. H. Fitzhugh, commanding the two companies of the Twenty-sixth Virginia, gallantly volunteered to take 20 men and extinguish it. By the time he reached it, however, the flames had made such headway that they could not be suppressed. After burning the bridge the enemy rapidly retired beyond range, leaving some of their dead and wounded on the south side of the bridge also.
After the action Lieutenant-Colonel Stetzel, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, was sent under a flag of truce to propose an exchange of prisoners. I assented to the proposition, with the condition that all the wounded left on the field--Confederates and Abolitionists--should be regarded as in my hands. Under this agreement, I recovered Lieutenant Talley, Fifty-ninth Virginia, and 4 men, and liberated Lieutenant [Corporal?] Jackson, Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and the same number of men, all the prisoners I had.
Last night General Kautz was joined by the detachment which went to Jarratt's Station, and early this morning the whole force moved in the direction of Sussex Court-House.
The force in my front yesterday numbered from 2,500 to 3,000 cavalry, consisting of the First District of Columbia, the Third and Seventh New York, the Fifth and Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiments, and six pieces of artillery.
My loss in the action was 3 killed, 22 wounded, and 20 missing. Among the wounded are Lieut. Col. Joseph Jones, Capt. J. W. Maddux, Lieut. J. J. Bryant, and Lieut. N. Talley, of the Fifty-ninth Virginia. Of the enemy's loss I have no accurate information. They left 15 dead and 2 wounded on the field. They are known to have suffered severely. The officers and men generally behaved well throughout this affair, which lasted three hours. Among those most conspicuous were Lieut. Col. Joseph Jones, Fifty-ninth Virginia; Maj. P. H. Fitzhugh, Twenty-sixth Virginia; Capt. J.P. Barksdale, Fifty-ninth Virginia, and Lieut. J. W. Hundley, Twenty-sixth Virginia. Major Fitzhugh deserves special praise and thanks for his signal gallantry throughout the action. I regret that I can only mention Lieut. J. W. Hundley, Twenty-sixth Virginia, Sergt. D. J. Traynham, Company E, and Private John Y. Tabb, Company B, Fifty-ninth Virginia, among those who volunteered with Major Fitzhugh to rescue the bridge while exposed to the fire of the enemy's guns. There are many others equally entitled to thanks whose names I cannot ascertain, many of them from Company A, Fifty-ninth Virginia Regiment.
On this occasion, as on all others where an opportunity has been offered them, the men of this company furnished many brilliant examples of most intrepid daring and devoted heroism.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. B. TABB,
Colonel, Comdg. Fifty-ninth Virginia Regiment.
Capt. JOHN M. OTEY,
Asst. Adjt. Gen.