Edwin H. Stoughton to R. N. Scort, December 29, 1862

I have the honor to report that at 4.30 yesterday p. m. I received information from one of General Slocum’s aides that the enemy had crossed the Occoquan in force, between Occoquan and Wolf Run Shoals. Supposing their object to be the capture or destruction of stores at Fairfax Station, where I learned General Slocum had left but 400 men to defend his entire wagon train and stores, I at once ordered one regiment and a section of artillery to that place, with orders to hold it, and send to me if they needed further re-enforcements ; at the same time I recommended to Colonel D’Utassy, by telegraph, that he send at least two regiments and a battery to Fairfax Station, as the enemy were probably making for that place, with a view to obtain possession of the property there.

At 5 o’clock I received orders from General Heintzelman to make a reconnaissance in the direction of Mrs. Violet’s, near Occoquan, as the enemy were reported in that quarter, and report the result to him. Immediately after, I received information that the enemy were at Burke’s Station, and placed my three remaining regiments and four pieces so as to prevent the enemy escaping by any road leading from Burke’s Station to Fairfax Court-House or to the Little River pike; then, fearing the enemy might escape by passing between this place and Annandale via Vienna, I telegraphed direct to General Heintzelman, requesting that a force be sent from near Washington to cut off this line of retreat.

In the mean time I received information from General Slocum that he would guard Wolf Run Shoals if I would take care of the stores at Fairfax Station, when I again advised Colonel D’Utassy to throw a portion of his command to Fairfax Station, and to direct Colonel Wyndham to place his force to the northeast of Chantilly, to check the enemy, should they get through that far. At this time I felt greatly the need of cavalry, being compelled to rely on infantry scouts for all the information I could obtain, and sent to Colonel Wyndham asking for at least: a squadron.

Receiving orders at about 8.30 o’clock from General Heintzelman to communicate with General Abercrombie, whose headquarters were at Annandale, I attempted to do so, when I found the enemy between Annandale and this place, about 4 miles from the latter. They pressed on, driving in my pickets, and charging with two regiments on my advance guard. Were met with a steady fire, which drove them back in confusion, killing several horses and wounding some of their men.

They soon rallied, however, and formed as for another attack. Not coming up, I ordered two guns to open on them, and followed this with an attack of infantry, when I discovered they were leaving my front. Fearing they would now attempt to pass between this place and Vienna, and having no cavalry, I sent infantry toward the latter place, with a view to head them off, which arrived too late, they having passed, cutting the wires between here and Washington.

I learned from undoubtedly reliable sources that the enemy’s forces consisted of about 5,000 cavalry and one battery. Generals Stuart and Vitzhugh Lee were in command. All the teams and stores at Burke’s Station were brought safely within my lines, and the enemy were foiled in their attempt to capture Fairfax Station, and, so far as I learned, have done us no mischief, except cutting the wires.

About 9 o’clock I received orders to assume command of Colonel D’Utassy’s brigade, when I at once issued orders to him to move two regiments and one battery without delay to Fairfax Station, and to look out for the enemy from the northwest, as I was apprehensive that they might cross between Centreville and Fairfax Court-House, and attack from that quarter.

I hope the necessity of my having cavalry will be evident from the operations of last night. Had I have had in my command a sufficient force of cavalry, I should doubtless have been able to receive early intelligence of the enemy’s movements, and met him on the Little River pike and prevented his crossing it. I have 1 prisoner, 2 horses, and 2 saddles.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,