JANUARY 8-10 1863.--Expedition from Suffolk toward the Blackwater, Va.
Report of Col. Samuel P. Spear, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry.(*)
HDQRS. ELEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA VOL. CAVALRY,
Camp Suffolk, Va., January 12, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to transmit the following report of the
reconnaissance made by me, in obedience to instructions dated Headquarters,
Suffolk, Va., January 7, 1863:
I left Suffolk on the morning of the 8th instant in command of the
following force, viz: Howard's battery, six pieces; the One hundred and
fifty-fifth, One hundred and twelfth, and One hundred and thirtieth New
York Volunteers; the One hundred and sixty-fifth Pennsylvania Militia, and
600 of my own regiment (Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry), ambulances, &c.,
for the purpose of protecting General Ferry's embarkation on the river
Chowan, some 37 miles from Suffolk. I encamped on the night of the 8th near
Holland's Corners.
Next morning I started toward Carrsville, as the spirit of my instructions
was such as to "leave much to my discretion," relative to the approach of
the enemy from any quarter. At Carrsville I received valuable information
from Mr. Whitehead, which afterwards proved to be correct, that Pryor was
down in the vicinity of Barber's Cross-Roads with a large force. I at once
got into position, supposing that my presence toward Somerton would no
longer be necessary. After remaining here for about an hour a dispatch was
received ordering me at once to Somerton (as per original instructions). I
obeyed the order, countermarched, and had proceeded to the Quaker Church,
on the Somerton road, when another dispatch was received directing
re-enforcements to report to me, and Maj. Samuel Wetherill, with three
companies of cavalry and the One hundred and sixty-fourth New York
Volunteers, reported.
I encamped at the Quaker Church, and the next morning the Thirteenth
Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Dobbs, reported, when, according to the
dispatch, I proceeded with the entire force to Blanchard's Corners; thence
to McClenna's Station; thence, via Deserted House, Western Branch Church,
&c., to Windsor. At Windsor my advance, commanded by Lieut. John L. Roper,
captured a dispatch, directed to General R. A. Pryor, in the hands of two
Confederate cavalry. These prisoners, with their horses, were immediately
sent to headquarters, and I will here remark that great credit is due to
Lieutenant Roper for his prompt, energetic, and faithful performance of the
important duty of leading the advance of such a large body of troops.

At this point (Windsor) I sent out detachments of cavalry in every
direction to ascertain the direction of the enemy, and in about one hour
discovered that he had retired on the road direct to Carrsville, passing
over the same ground I occupied the previous day, and crossed the river at
Franklin with his wagons, stores, troops, &c. I found Mr. Whitehead's
information, relative to the strength and location of the enemy, to be
correct, and was of the following strength, viz: Fourteen pieces of
artillery, 1,500 to 2,000 cavalry, and about 6,000 infantry. I have put
this at the lowest estimate; some have estimated his strength at 12,000
men, consisting of all arms.
At Windsor I encamped on the same ground occupied by Pryor the day
previous, and sent a dispatch to headquarters for rations, forage, and
other necessaries, which call was quickly and correctly responded to, which
gave great comfort to both men and horses in a most tremendous rain-storm.
After a bivouac of about three hours, and the return of my detach merits
sent out in every direction, I had a consultation with all the commanders
of the different arms which resulted in the determination to return to
Suffolk; and it being in accordance with instructions I started at 5.50
p.m. on the Petersburg road via Providence Church, drawbridge, &c., on my
return, and reported in person to the commanding general at 8 p.m. on the
night of the 10th instant. I found that the new regiments of infantry
lately arrived (One hundred and fifty-fifth and One hundred and
sixty-fourth) used their entire three days' rations in two, and did not
take with them their shelter-tents. I find these shelter-tents to be of
indispensable use on reconnaissances, marches, &c., as they do for both
blanket, bed, or tent, as the weather might demand.
It gives me great pleasure to report the fact of the valuable assistance
rendered by Colonel Gibbs, commanding the infantry. Nearly the entire three
days and nights he was constantly in the saddle, first at one point and
then at another, encouraging his men, supplying their wants, and exhibiting
sound judgment in all his orders, positions, and maneuvers, ever ready at a
moment's warning to place the infantry, without noise or confusion, at any
place required. Captain Howard, chief of artillery, was prompt and untiring
in his duty and always ready to cheerfully execute all directions and
orders in a true, spirited manner. He and his officers are all worthy of my
best thanks. The cavalry, under command of Major Wetherill, were all that
could be desired, caring well for their horses. They performed their
arduous duty in such a manner as to prove beyond a doubt that in case of
greater emergency their pride will always be "to horse," and their results
a faithful execution of existing orders. Major Strutton, who first led the
cavalry before the arrival of Major Wetherill, performed his duty in his
usual thorough manner, and is to my command a very useful and valuable
officer.
Colonel Dodge reported at the Deserted House with 200 cavalry, and very
kindly offered his services in any manner I might suggest. His urbanity and
politeness is worthy of emulation. The entire command, through rain, mud,
and water, are deserving of my warmest commendation in expressing their
readiness at any moment to execute any orders and under any circumstances.

I am, sir, very respectfully, &c.,
S. P. SPEAR,
Col. Eleventh Pennsylvania Vol. Car., Comdg. Expedition.
Maj. B. B. FOSTER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.