Samuel P. Heintzelman to Seth Williams, November 13, 1861

GENERAL:

The enemy having made a demonstration against our pickets on the 11th instant, I sent out two small parties of cavalry to reconnoiter. On their return I received a report that the rebels, with 400 eavalry and two regiments of infantry, were encamped near Pohick Church. Believing I could disperse them, I telegraphed to the commanding general, and was authorized to prepare an expedition.

On the 12th instant, at 3 a. m., General Richardson’s brigade, with Company G of the Lincoln Cavalry [First New York], and Captain Thompson’s and Captain Randolph’s batteries of artillery, advanced upon Pohiek Church by the Telegraph road, followed an hour later by General Jameson’s brigade, and Company E, Lincoln Cavalry. The in-. structions I gave were for General Richardson to divide his brigade at Potter’s house, just beyond Piney Run, he to follow the Telegraph road, and the other two regiments, with a battery and company of cavalry, to cross to Accotink, and reach Pohick Church by the Accotink and Pohick continuation of the Alexandria turnpike, so to time his march as to have both columns reach the church at the same moment. General Jameson’s brigade followed an hour later on the Telegraph road, as 3 reserve.

I left headquarters at daylight, and overtook the advance where they were halted, a short distance this side the church. We soon ascertained that the rebel cavalry had left, having encampéd at the church the night before. We advanced and occupied the ground, and sent out parties on the different roads. The regiments under Colonel Hayman took the road to Colchester. There were no signs of the enemy having been recently in that vicinity, nor were there any indications of their occupying the opposite bank of the Occoquan at that point. Colonel Terry, who commanded the troops which followed the Telegraph road to Mrs. Violet’s, learned that the enemy’s pickets had left there two hours before. On the opposite side of the Occoquan there was seen a small force of cavalry and infantry, evidently apprised of our advance. The cavalry pickets on the road towards Elzey’s had also retreated very recently. Having ascertained these facts, the troops returned to their camp.

$ I am much gratified with the spirit, zeal, and activity displayed . by the troops. We were five hours at Pohick Church. The main body marched 22 miles, and the regiments which were pushed forward to the Occoquan about 30. All were back to their camps by 9 p. m.

Colonel Berry’s regiment of General Sedgwick’s brigade, with Captain Todd’s company of Lincoln Cavalry, marched at 4 a. m. on the Old Fairfax road to halt at the Accotink, and push forward a reconnaissance as far as the Pohick. (Colonel Berry, I think, has mistaken Fairfax Station for either Springfield or Burke’s Station; the latter is the more probable. On the second page of his report he says he took the road towards Pohick Church. He should have followed the Old Fairfax road as far as the Pohick.)

By taking the road towards Pohick Church his scouts came in sight of our troops in advance of the church, and mistook them for the enemy drilling. Our skirmishers saw them, and reported the rebel cavalry and infantry on that road. I advanced a force to meet them, but after sending forward no one could be discovered, and the troops were withdrawn.

Of the Lincoln Cavalry, Sergeant O’Brien is killed; Bugler Denton mortally wounded, since dead; Private Miller wounded, missing; Private Mitchell wounded, slightly; Captain Todd missing ; Private Johnson missing, and 7 horses missing.

This loss was sustained from the negligence of the officers of this cavalry in permitting their men to straggle in the presence of the enemy and to plunder. ;

The rebels evidently occupy several points on the railroad in force; have a cavalry station at or near Elzey’s and Sangster’s Cross-Roads, and a force at Wolf Run Shoals. :

I was accompanied and assisted by Captain Moses and Lieutenant Hunt of my staff, and Lieutenant-Colonel Schickfuss and Captain Otto, of the Lincoln Cavalry. – Å

The reports of the different commanders are inclosed.

I have the honor to be, general, your very obedient servant,