OCTOBER 8, 1862.--Skirmish on the Blackwater, near Franklin, Va.
No. 1.--Reports of Maj. Gen. John A. Dix, U.S. Army, commanding the
Department of Virginia.
FORT MONROE, VA., October 5, 1862--12.46 p.m.
I planned an expedition, as I advised you, to destroy the floating bridge
the enemy had thrown over the Blackwater at Franklin. We were to have had
the co-operation of the gunboats from Albemarle Sound by order of Admiral
Lee, but I think they must have met with obstructions, as they did not
come. Our troops, less than 2,000 in number, under Colonel Spear, Eleventh
Pennsylvania Cavalry, held the enemy, greatly superior in force, at bay at
the river for several hours waiting for the gunboats. They behaved with
great coolness, and, as we think, killed and wounded from 70 to 100 of the
enemy. Our loss was 1 killed and 6 wounded and missing.
JOHN A. DIX,
Major-general.
General HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
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OCTOBER 8, 1862.--Skirmish on the Blackwater, near Franklin, Va.
No. 2.--Reports of Maj. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army, commanding at
Suffolk, including affair near Zuni.
SUFFOLK, October 4, 1862.
My troops are in, but they have had service, being out two nights and a
day, and need rest.

Colonel Spear left the vicinity of Franklin after midnight. No firing has
been heard today, and I conclude boats did not reach that place. My last
telegram may give some information not at hand when your last was received,
and I wait your reply.
JOHN J. PECK,
Major-General.
General DIX.
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HEADQUARTERS,
Suffolk, Va., October 9, 1862.
COLONEL: On the 2d instant I was advised that the rebel pickets had been
advanced nearly to Carrsville at points some 4 or 5 miles from the
Blackwater. This information, in connection with the possibility of the
appearance of our gunboats, in consequence of certain propositions made by
Major-General Dix, but not perfected, induced me to dispatch Col. S. P.
Spear, of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, with a section of Follett's
battery and about 1,700 men, in the night to Carrsville, with instructions
to make a thorough reconnaissance in the direction of Franklin and the
Blackwater. He moved at 9 p.m. and reached Carrsville before daylight.
Early on the 3d he commenced his advance and soon met the enemy's pickets.
Some skirmishing ensued, the rebels falling back upon their support with a
view of checking his advance. This was of no avail, and pickets and
supports were all driven confusedly down to the bank and over the river.
Colonel Spear advanced cautiously, and was soon opened upon by a 32-pounder
and other heavy guns in battery across the stream. After looking to the
immediate safety of his command the colonel made a careful examination of
the position, placed Whitney's section and two small howitzers in action at
favorable points with proper supports, and sent out parties for observation
on his flanks.
A furious cannonade continued for an hour, when the enemy ceased his fire
and fell back to a new position where he could act in concert with
newly-arrived and fresh troops.
At this juncture Graham's celebrated Petersburg battery and a rocket
battery arrived, and the action was renewed on his part with great vigor.
Shot, shell, grape, and rockets were fired in great profusion, but with
little or no damage to our well-posted troops. The Thirteenth Indiana
Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Dobbs, was moved down to the bank on the
right, where it opened so sharp and close a fire upon the rebels that they
terminated the action by falling back out of range.
On learning that Colonel Spear had proceeded with less than 1,300 men,
instead of 1,700, and that his ammunition was nearly exhausted, that the
river could not be crossed, and the object of the expedition having been
fully attained, I directed him to return, which he did without any
disturbance from the enemy.

Particular mention is made of the gallantry and good conduct of
Lieutenant-Colonels Stetzel, Dobbs, Maxwell, and Gray, and of Lieutenant
Whitney. Colonel Spear has added to his former high reputation by his
coolness and good management on this occasion.
The force consisted of detachments from the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry,
Ninety-sixth New York Volunteers, One hundred and third Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and Thirteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and a section of
Follett's artillery, and the commander speaks in the highest terms of all
his officers and men.
The loss was 2 killed, 5 wounded, and 1 missing, which was extremely small,
in view of the great superiority of the enemy in numbers. The rebel loss
has been reported from 75 to 200.
On the 3d instant several hundred of the enemy crossed the river in the
vicinity of Zuni and occupied Windsor, having among other designs that of
tearing up the Petersburg Railroad. At dawn of the 4th Colonel Dodge, a
meritorious officer, was advanced with a portion of the New York First
Mounted Rifles, who promptly occupied the place, and during the day forced
the enemy across the Blackwater.
Characterized by that earnestness which is an essential element of success,
these affairs are very gratifying, and fortify the confidence already
reposed in the troops.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN J. PECK,
Major-General, Commanding.
Col. D. T. VAN BUREN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Seventh Corps.