W. M. W. Averell to A. J. Alexander, August 6, 1862

August 6, 1862.

Srr: I have the honor to report that the cavalry operations of 4th instant were confined to the usual picket duty. Nothing was seen of the enemy on any of the roads. Yesterday I proceeded with 200 men from the Fifth United States and 200 from the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, accompanied by Gibson’s battery, under command of Lieutenant Pendleton, out to Saint Mary’s Church, first Long Bridge road. From here I sent a squadron which had been on picket at this point all night to vedette the road that leads past Nance’s Mill, at the cross-roads, about 1 mile farther on the road to Long Bridge road. I left one section of this battery with a cavalry support and proceeded with the balance of my command to White Oak Swamp Bridge, leaving Long Bridge on my right going out. The pickets sent out to this bridge report that it is destroyed. ;

Upon arriving at White Oak Swamp Bridge I posted my artillery in positions commanding the approaches from all sides. One squadron of cavalry crossed the bridge; the others were posted at the different positions of advantage. They captured 22 cavalrymen and killed 3. They belonged to the Tenth Virginia, and were on picket duty. After remaining here half an hour, and capturing almost the entire rebel picket, I returned.with my command to camp, without again seeing the enemy.

The 22 persons above mentioned, and one deserter who delivered himself up to the picket at Charles City Court-House, were sent to the provost-marshal-general.

One squadron is now on picket on the Long Bridge road, about a mile beyond Saint Mary’s Church, and one company at Charles City CourtHouse; two squadrons are now with General Slocum; one squadron has gone to relieve the pickets of the Second Brigade at Mrs. Clark’s house; one company went out yesterday as escort to the engineers, and three companies of the Fourth Pennsylvania went over the James River on the afternoon of the 4th instant.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,