A. J. Alexander, July 17, 1862

Srr: I have the honor to report that yesterday Captain Harrison, Fifth U. 8. Cavalry, with two squadrons of his regiment, reconnoitered the Richmond road, which leaves the first Long Bridge road about 3 miles beyond its junction with the Charles City road. Upon the Richmond road he went about 4 miles, finding a picket of 25 cavalry and – about two companies of infantry. From their maneuvers he was led to believe that they had artillery also. This impression was strengthened by the statement of a contraband, who informed him that they had cannon not far off. After a slight carbine skirmish, which resulted in the falling back of the rebel cavalry and in a display of the abovementioned infantry force, he retired from that road, and proceeded to Saint Mary’s Church, on the Long Bridge road. At that point he found a squadron of the Fourth Pennsylvania engaging in a desultory combat with about 100 rebel cavalry strongly positioned at a barn. Disposing a platoon under Lieutenant Byrnes to engage them at short range with a brisk fire, he proceeded to eut off the rebels by getting in their rear. Unfortunately he was discovered by them before he could reach the desired point, upon which they hastily mounted and commenced a disorderly retreat, which terminated in what is known as a skedaddle. He made a vigorous pursuit for some 3 or 4 miles to within a quarter of a mile of Long Bridge. Although three saddles of the enemy were emptied, Captain Harrison would not waste time in ascertaining if the riders were killed. The duty of yesterday was very satisfactorily performed by Captain arrison. ae night 10 men were stationed with the infantry pickets on the first Long Bridge road, and 10 ee erate pee on the second road. ully, your obedient servan eae W. M. W. AVERELL, Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. A. J. ALEXANDER, A. A. A. G.