W. M. W. Averell to Seth Williams, August 6, 1862

August 6, 1862.

GENERAL: In obedience to orders received from Brigadier-General Marcy, chief of staff of the Army of the Potomac, I set out yesterday morning at 2 o’clock for White Oak Swamp Bridge with 400 cavalry, one-half from the Fifth United States and the other from the Third Pennsylvania, and Captain Gibson’s battery of artillery, Lieutenant Pendleton commanding. Arriving at Saint Mary’s Church, on the first Long Bridge road, I placed the picket squadron found there on the road which leads to the left, by Nance’s Mill, with a section of the battery, supported by 20 cavalry; then pushed on to my destination over a by-road from Long Bridge through woods and fields, arriving within a short distance of the White Oak Swamp Bridge at 10.30 a. m.

Lieutenant Byrnes, Fifth Cavalry, led the advance guard, accompanied by Captain Ouster, supported by Captain White, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, with a squadron.

The advance guard had orders to dash at once upon the enemy as soon as he should be discovered, the supports to follow and engage to the best advantage while the main body was being brought up and deployed and the artillery being placed in position. The column moved forward with life. The enemy was discovered in force, from 30 to 40 strong, of the Tenth Virginia Oavalry, and the orders above stated were carried out. The enemy was dispersed and pursued, and and equipments.

First Sergt. James Cahill, Company ©, Fifth U. 8S. Cavalry, was the first to cross the bridge with 5 men. He was quickly followed by Captain White with a squadron of the Third Pennsylvania, who pursued the enemy three-fourths of a mile on the other side. Lieutenant Byrnes and Oaptain Custer took the road to the left toward Malvern Hill, chasing, shooting, or capturing all the pickets that came from that direction, while Lieutenant McIntosh held the reserve in a good position to act in any direction. Learning from the prisoners that the enemy were made aware of our intentions the night before, and that a camp of infantry and artillery, on my right, and the First North Carolina Cavalry, on my left, were within a short distance, I concluded to withdraw, the object of the reconnaissance having been accomplished. This was done without accident. I have no loss to report, excepting captured 7 or 8 prisoners. All the officers and men displayed great steadiness and spirit. JI am particularly indebted to Lieutenant King, my acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenants Hess, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Rumsey, First New York Artillery, my acting aides on the occasion, for their readiness in carrying my orders and placing the squadrons and guns in position.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,