M. Friedman to William F. Smith, February 22, 1862

SIR:

I have the honor to report that in accordance with your orders I left camp at 3.30 o’clock this morning, and proceeded with the whole of my regiment, in company with the Forty-third New York Infantry (Colonel Vinton), as far as Vienna. We left said regiment at that place and proceeded to Flint Hill on double-quick time. I detailed the first squadron, commanded by Captain Rosenthal, as the advance to Flint Hill, at the same time having kept a close chain of communication with the main body (about 300 yards apart). On arriving at Flint Hill the advance took two of the enemy’s pickets (mounted), one of whom we wounded, but not seriously. I then detailed the same squadron as the

T 7 =e cma t advance on the road to the right, leading to Fox’s Mill, I remaining a – few moments at Flint Hill. Just about daylight I noticed some 40 of the enemy’s eavalry forming on a field about half a mile to my right. I at once intended to charge upon them, but perceiving to my left some artillery of the enemy, I thought it prudent. to desist, and left one squadron at Flint Hill to cover my rear and keep the chain of communi- . cation open with headquarters. I then followed with the balance of the regiment the advance, and on reaching Fox’s Mill learned from a negro that about half a mile on the road in our advance, at one Jacob Fox’s, there were some of the enemy’s mounted piekets. We proceeded on double-quick time and reached them, and succeeded in capturing 5 of them, with horses, equipments, and arms; also two citizens, one by the name of Jacob Fox and one other in their company. From there we scoured the country to Hawkhurst’s Mill and to Hunter’s Mill, but no more of the enemy were to be seen. I have noticed on that road some picket fires, but deserted, and part of their breakfast had been left. At Hunter’s Mill I met the Sixth Maine Regiment of Infantry (Colonel Burnham), as my reserve. We then took the Johnson’s Hill road back to Freedom Hill, Colonel Burnham’s infantry regiment following us in ourrear. Before starting from Hunter’s Mill I detailed an orderly to bring in the squadron left at Flint Hill. ^ ^ ;

I take great pleasure in informing you that the officers and men under my command behaved in a very soldierly and courageous manner. lam also much indebted to the assistant adjutant-general (Capt. L. D. H. Currie) for his valuable services rendered, who was most of the time in the advance. It is impossible for me+to particularize any one, but if I should do so I should award it to Captain Rosenthal for his conduct. The reconnaissance was carried out in every particular according to instructions received, without dhy mishap on our side.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,