H. D. Terry to Fifth Michigan Infantry, Commanding Reconnaissance, November 12, 1861

Camp Lyon, near Alexandria, Va., November 12, 1861.

GENERAL:

In pursuance of your orders, received this morning through Captain Norvell, at Pohick Church, I at once proceeded with the Fifth Michigan Regiment, four pieces of Captain Thompson’s battery, and a squadron of cavalry, upon the Richmond Telegraph road towards Occoquan. After advancing half a mile I detached Companies E and K of the infantry as skirmishers, and sent them forward half a mile in advance, when the column moved on to within 13 miles of Occoquan, to a.point where a road puts off from the Telegraph road to Sangster’s Station, and near the residence of Mrs. Violet. I then ascertained the fact that four cavalry pickets stationed there had left about two hours before on the Sangster’s Station road. Not deeming it prudent to advance the cok umn farther, I threw out skirmishers towards Occoquan and Sangster’s Station, and ascertained as the result that at Occoquan village there

was a small cavalry force, probably less than a company, and a battalion of infantry, not exceeding, I should judge, five companies. About half a mile west of Mrs. Violet’s, on the Sangster’s Station road, a cavalry picket post was discovered, apparently just deserted, with the camp-fires still burning, showing that they had retired westward. From information received from various sources, the enemy has a cavalry camp at Sangster’s Cross-Roads, about 3 miles to the eastward of the

Having ascertained these facts, I returned with the command to Pohick Church. 3 All of which is

respectfully submitted.

I have the honor to be, &c.,

Colonel Fifth Michigan Infantry, Commanding Reconnaissance.

Brigadier-General RICHARDSON.

No. 4. .

Report of Col. Samuel B. Hayman, Thirty-seventh New York Infantry.

Richardsors Brigade, November 13, 1861.