John P. Fowler to S. P. Heintzelman, December 20, 1861
December 20, 1861.
$ Fort Lyon, December 20, 1861. -This expedition was conducted by Colonel McKnight -with much judgment. Respectfully forwarded. S. P. HEINTZELMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Report of Capt. John P. Fowler, First New Jersey Cavalry.
. CAMP CUSTIS, VA., December 18, 1861.
Sim: I have the honor to report, according to instructions I left with my squadron this morning on a reconnaissance in the neighborhood of
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the Bone Mill, but finding everything quiet in that direction I proceeded to unite my squadron in the neighborhood of Pohick Church (on my way thither meeting and dispersing some rebel infantry), where Lieutenant Sackett with my second company, consisting of 51 men, was in command, who on arriving there found a number of rebel vedettes, â whom he succeeded in driving from their posts after the first fire. On following up their retreat the advance guard of the rebels was discovered. They immediately opened fire on us, but with no result. We returned – fire and emptied 4 of their saddles. They retreated on their main body, and with little delay on their part they returned towards us with a large body both of infantry and eavalry and again fired on us. On again returning their fire we succeeded in emptyirig a few more saddles of their riders. Their large force coming up at this moment compelled us to retire some three-quarters of a mile, where we formed in line of battle. At this time I sent forward the advance guard of both companies, who again met the rebel guard. Therebelsimmediately turned . and fled, we firing on them in their retreat. Their superior force compelled me to act cautiously, and I succeeded in bringing back in safety my entire squadron. Ihave the honor, sir, to subseribe myself yours,
very respectfully,
Commanding Squadron.
Brigadier-General HEINTZELMAN, Commanding Division.
[Indorsement.]
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