Alfred Pleasonton to J. H. Taylor, December 2, 1862

December 2, 1862. COLONEL : Colonel Gregg, at King George Court-House, reports that a squadron of his regiment, detached and doing duty at Leeds’ Ferry, some 20 miles below the Court-House, was attacked this morning by about 200 of the enemy, who had crossed the river some distance above

the ferry, and concealed themselves in the wood. ONE ets aetna aa Green ne at “al Di ea a ie a * Not found.

The colonel states resistance was made, but unsuccessfully ; 1 officer and about 50-men were taken, and removed at once across the river.

Upto the time of the colonel’s writing, 20 men had escaped, and he thinks his reconnoitering parties now out will bring in more.

Leeds’ Ferry is a point on the Rappahannock at which the rebels have carried on their smuggling. It was at this point that a schooner and five boats used in this trade were destroyed several days ago. The rebels doubtless consider it too important to give up without an effort to hold it.

The river at Leeds is three-fourths of a mile wide. Colonel Gregg reports the enemy’s force to be increasing in that direction, and thinks it not advisable to continue a force at Leeds unless it be occupied in force to hold it, as the distance renders it liable for a small force to be cut off at any time. Some of the troops on the rebel side were raised in King George County, and know the country, and it is difficult to say what they may next attempt.

Colonel Gregg could not have kept a larger force at Leeds from his command, as the support to the section of artillery at Port Royal required the main part of his command.

The colonel further states, the captain and squadron at Leeds were the best of his regiment.

I shall direct Colonel Gregg to draw in his detached parties to within supporting distance of his force at the Court-House, until other arrangements are made by the major-general commanding for the occupation of the lower part of the Peninsula.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,