W. M. W. Averell to George B. McClellan, August 9, 1862

GENERAL:

Pursuant to verbal orders, received on the 2d instant from the general commanding the army, I proceeded across the James River, embarking at 5 a. m. with 300 cavalry, one-half from the Fifth United States, the other from the Third Pennsylvania. The dock on the south bank having been partially destroyed rendered the landing of cavalry difficult and dangerous, but it was accomplished by 9 a. m., with the loss of but 1 horse drowned.

Directions had been given the night previous by Maj. Gen. F. J. Porter to have the infantry pickets thrown far enough out to prevent the enemy from observing my crossing, but the infantry failed to effect this, for upon my landing I was informed by their commanding officer that cavalry pickets of the enemy had been observing my operations for

~some time. As soon as my command was organized and the carbines loaded and capped I proceeded by the road which leaves the river at the landing opposite and runsin an almost due south course for 2} miles. Four companies of the First Michigan Infantry, under Captain Belton, accompanied the cavalry, with orders to follow as rapidly as possible, in order to act as a support. Lieutenant McIntosh, Fifth U. S. Cavalry, led the advance guard, composed of 25 men, with orders to charge at once upon any force of the enemy that he could distinctly see, unless it should be manifestly too numerous and too well posted for our whole force to attack with discretion.

The advance guard was supported by Lieutenant Miller, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, with 25 men, with orders to attack or maneuver in conformity with the movements of Lieutenant McIntosh ; then followed the main body, under Captain Owens, Fifth U. S. Cavalry, accompanied. by myself.

Constant and rapid communication was kept up from front to rear. After marching steadily 14 miles the pickets of the enemy were first observed, somewhat screened in a wood which extended across the road. The advance guard and its support immediately deployed as skirmishers and commenced to feel the enemy on both sides, while the main body was kept in ambush, the infantry positioned, and everything put in readiness to meet the enemy should he accept the invitation te fight at that point; but he did not resist the advance, and we resumed the march promptly, a few scattering shots driving him beyond the belt of woods into a large open space three-fourths of a mile across. As we emerged from the woods he appeared through a driving rain, which began to fall about this time, drawn up in line on high ground at the farther extremity. We could see about 150 men.

Sending 50 men to the right and 50 to the left, to be more ready te act as support to the advance and flanking, with orders to the infantry to follow rapidly, my eutire force advanced at once to the attack. The enemy gave way, and we pursued in good order, and as fast as we could, over a road that was now flooded in places 2 teet deep. We soon, through a dense wood, came to a mill, where the road branched to the left over a steep hill. Straight ahead, up a winding wooded valley, and to the right over a narrow bridge across the mill-race, parties of the enemy appeared upon all of these roads, but knowing the righthand one to be that which led to the enemy’s camp, Lieutenants McIntosh and Miller dashed across the bridge, found the enemy drawn up, charged him boldly, putting him to flight, wpunding some, killing a horse, and taking 2 prisoners. Lieutenant McIntosh had his horse shot in the charge.

From the prisoners we learned that their force in camp was seven companies, averaging 80 men each, and that they could make a good fight. Determining to go on and attack him, I first made this point secure by leaving a position of the infantry to cover the roads, with a

a small detachment of cavalry to act as messengers. Moving on them with less than 300 cavalry and about 40 infantry we soon came in sight of the enemy’s pickets and camp in a fine position for defense, backed by a forest. Advancing a line of cavalry skirmishers, with instructions to rally on the center if overpowered, in order to make room for the force in rear to charge, we advanced at once, the advance guard and ‘skirmishers driving the enemy’s pickets before them. Arrived at Sycamore Church, we found a fine camp of goods, tents, commissary stores, cooking utensils, clothing, &c., which were all collected and piled up with straw from ricks near by and burned, the enemy looking on at a distance.

The object of the expedition having been attained and the general’s orders obeyed, I returned with my command to this camp.

Several circumstances combine to divest this affair of any elements of a surprise: First, the enemy had ample opportunity for observing my strength and grounds for guessing my intentions; second, the extremely heavy rain retarded the movements of the infantry, which it was necessary to take at least as far as the mill. .

From the muster rolls found and from the statements of prisoners the enemy’s force was at least 560—fully 200 more than mine. He had the advantage of knowing the country and of choosing his ground, but with all these advantages retired and witnessed the destruction of his camp. He was overpowered by the moral force of our steady advance and the impetuous dash of Lieutenant McIntosh. Captain Custer, Fifth Cavalry, and Lieutenant Bowen, topographical engineer, joined the expedition on its way out and took an active part in its operations.

The conduct of Lieutenant McIntosh was a fine model for cavalry soldiers. He was well supported by Lieutenant Miller, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. Our loss was 3 wounded, and 1 horse killed.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,