J. Kilpatrick, April 19, 1862
Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 19, 1862.
GENERAL:
I have the honor to report that my advance guard, under Captain BE. F. Cooke, Company B, was fired upon and charged by nearly 50 rebel cavalry about 3 miles this side the Spotted Tavern. Captain Cooke charged several times and was completely successful. Maj. H. E. Daviesâ battalion was then ordered to the front. He skirmished with the enemy for several miles, driving him to within 2 or 3 miles of his camp, when the whole battalion charged, closely followed by the entire regiment. The enemy rapidly fled to his camp, where a stand was made by the whole rebel force, consisting of several companies of cavalry, under Colonel Lee. We reached him with a shout and a blow. The resistance was feeble, and in a moment he was fleeing in all directions. Two we killed or wounded and 4 taken prisoners.
I regret the loss of Lieut. James N. Decker, Company D, who fell at the head of his men, having reached the center of the rebel camp.
The entire regimentâofficers and men–hope that, in this their first effort, they have conducted themselves in a manner worthy their honored name and the general under whom they are proud to serve.
Respectfully submitted.
Tieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Harris Light Cavalry.
Brigadier-General AUGUR.
[Indorsement.]