Dispatch

Fitz. Lee, August 1, 1862

Hanover Court-House, Va., August 1, 1862.

Sir: I have the honor to report that the First Virginia Cavalry remained during the battles in front of Richmond under the immediate command of General J. E. B. Stuart and took part in all his operations. The only casualty was the loss of Private R. P. Thomas, of Company A. He had been sent to the front, in company with Lieutenant Stewart, of Company B, to reconnoiter dismounted, when he came suddenly upon a large body of the enemy concealed in the woods. Refusing their demand to surrender, this party of two gathered up some abandoned loaded arms in the vicinity and fought bravely until Thomas was killed, when the lieutenant made his escape, the enemy not daring to pursue a soldier who had proved that he was not to be taken alive.

Very respectfully, your obedient servaut,

Late Col. First Va. Cav., Brig. Gen., Comdg. Second Brig.
. Capt. NoRMAN R, FirzHueH,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Brigade.
No. 211.
Report of Col. Thomas F. Goode, Third Virginia Cavalry, of operations
June 26—July 10.
WHITE House, July 15, 1862.

Editor's Notes
From: Peninsula Campaign, Pt. 1. Location: Hanover Court-House, Va.. Summary: Fitz Lee reports the First Virginia Cavalry's participation in Richmond battles under General J.E.B. Stuart, highlighting Private R.P. Thomas's death during a reconnaissance encounter with enemy forces.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 11, Part 1 View original source ↗