F. Sigel, November 29, 1862

November 29, 1862. Respectfully forwarded. General Hampton and his gallant command deserve the highest praise for this handsome affair, and are warmly commended to the notice of the commanding general. The colors are sent herewith. J. E. B. STUART, Major-General, Commanding. NOVEMBER 28-30, 1862.—Reconnaissance from Chantilly to Snicker’s Ferry and Berryville, Va., and skirmishes. REPORTS.* No. 1.—Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, U. S. Army. No. 2.—Col. Louis P. Di Cesnola, Fourth New York Cavalry. No. 3.—Lieut. Col. R. H. Burks, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, of skirmish at Berryville, November 29. No. 4.—Maj. E. V. White, Thirty-fifth Virginia Cavalry Battalion, of skirmish at Berryville, November 29. No. 1. Reports of Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, U. 8. Army. FAIRFAX CouRT-HOUSE, V. A., November 29, 1862. Night before last a reconnoitering party from Chantilly, composed of one brigade of infantry and our main force of cavalry (the whole under General Stahel, the infantry under Colonel Von Gilsa), occupied Aldie. Yesterday morning the cavalry, under Brigadier-General Stahel and Colonel Wyndham, advanced to Middleburg, White Plains, Salem, Rectortown, and Ashby’s Gap. They found 400 of White’s cavalry at. Ashby’s Gap, and chased them through the gap. General Stahel reports no forces of the enemy between Blue Ridge and Bull Run Mountains. He further says that he learned that one part of Jackson’s troops marched, by way of the gap, to Culpeper, but that his main force, with those of the two Hills, marched up the valley, and were at New Market last Wednesday. Our troops sent out will return to-night to Chantilly. F. SIGEL, Major-General, Commanding. Major-General BURNSIDE. OHANTILLY, V. A., November 30, 1862—6 p. m. The infantry under Von Gilsa returned from Aldie last night. The cavalry under Brigadier-General Stahel advanced from Middleburg to Snickersville and Berryville, and achieved a complete victory over a strong force of the enemy’s cavalry, routing them, breaking up their camps, taking their colors and many prisoners, and commissary and ordnance stores. General Stahel pursued the enemy to within 4 miles of Winchester, and would have followed him farther if his horses had not been too much worn out. A fall report will follow as soon as General Stahel has returned. F. SIGEL, Major-General, Commanding. Major-General BURNSIDE. CHANTILLY, V. A., November 30,,1862—7 p. m. Brigadier-General Stahel has just returned. He attacked the enemy at Snicker’s Ferry, and followed them with 300 cavalry into their camps, * See also Stuart’s and Jones’ reports, pp. 11, 12, 2B B—VOL XxI on the other side of the river and near Berryville. Our men charged splendidly whenever they met the enemy. White’s cavalry was driven in all directions, nearly all their officers captured, and their colors taken. White himself fled, and hid himself at a house in Berryville. The Third, Seventh, and Twelfth Virginia Cavalry were also attacked and routed. Forty of their men, with horses, were taken prisoners, 50 killed and wounded, and 2 colors taken. One wagon load of pistols and carbines was picked up on the road, thrown away by the fleeing enemy. Highty cattle and 80 horses were also brought in. Our lossin killed and wounded is about 15. General Stahel reports that his officers and men behaved excellently, and used only their swords—no fire-arms. He also reports that there is a brigade, under General Jones, at Winchester, but that Jackson’s main force was at New Market last Wednesday, as reported previously.

F. SIGEL,