Joseph Kargb, December 5, 1862

December 5, 1862. Respectfully forwarded. I have already recommended the dishonorable dismissal of the officer implicated, believing that this summary punishment of officers is the only way of insuring the proper performance of guard duty outside of

the camp W. B. FRANKLIN, Major-General, Commanding Left Wing.

No. 2. Report of Lieut. Ool. Joseph Kargé, First New Jersey Cavalry.

BROOKE’sS STATION, V. A., December 4, 1862.

GENERAL: In relation to the recent surprise of my pickets, placed in the rear of the Army of the Potomac, on the road leading to Dumfries, or thereabouts, I have the honor to make the following report :

On the 2d instant, Captain Lucas, in command of Company F, First New Jersey Cavalry, sent Lieutenant Hoffman with 14 men on the outpost, himself remaining with 10 men in the reserve. Lieutenant Hoffman, according to the statement of 5 escaped soldiers, who were under his immediate command, after having placed badly his vedettes, and allowed his men to lay aside their arms, went, at about 6 p. m., according to the custom of many of our patriotic officers, to provide for his belly, in a neighboring house, leaving his command to the care of Providence. It is further stated that the inmate of this house is a young and attractive female, whose husband is a captain in the rebel army, and who was seen by one of our posts returning to her house on horseback about 4 p. m., just about the time when our vedettes were relieving one another. As our vedettes and outposts were attacked both in front and rear at the same time, it is pretty evident that it was done through a premeditated plan, the clew of which was furnished by the culpable negligence of the officer in Command of the outpost. The result was, that of 14 men the whole were either captured or scattered without firing a shot. Among the former is the worthy lieutenant, who certainly has not neglected his duty as a gallant man, so far as the fair sex is concerned. Furthermore, regret to say that this disgraceful incident has happened, causing not only discredit to the service, but serious calamities. Of the 14 men, & have since reported (1 seriously wounded), all minus their horses and 2quipments. :

I have the honor to remain, general, very respectfully,