Wade Hampton to creed ee FITZHUGH, December 15, 1862

MaJor: On the 10th instant, with detachments from the First South Carolina Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel [J. D.] Twiggs; Second South Carolina, under Colonel Butler; First North Carolina, under ‘ Lieutenant-Colonel [James B. Gordon, the Jeff. Davis Legion, under

Lieutenant-Colonel Martin, and the Cobb Legion, under Captain [Jerry E.] Ritch (in all 520 men), [ proceeded toward the Potomac River. My object was first to take Dumfries, with such stores as were there. and then to sweep the Telegraph road up to Occoquan.

On the morning of the 12th, having divided the command, giving to Colonel Butler the First North Carolina, Second South Carolina, and the Cobb Legion, and to Lieutenant-Colonel Martin the First South Carolina and the Jeff. Davis Legion, we moved on the town at daylight, having marched 16 miles that morning to accomplish it. There was only a small force of the enemy there, and so complete was their surprise that every man was captured after a few shots had been fired. Colonel Butler entered the town from the north side, while LieutenantColonel Martin, who had made a detour, held his men in reserve.

There was no loss on our side. We captured 50-odd prisoners, with I lieutenant and 24 sutlers’ wagons. Of these, I destroyed 2 in the town, as we had no means of bringing them off, and the others we brought away with us. Five, however, broke down, so that but 17 arrived safely. As soon as the town was entered I had the telegraph office taken, and we brought off the operator, with his battery.

Having succeeded in the main part of my expedition, I at once made arrangements to attempt the capture of the troops on the Telegraph road and at Occoquan. No alarm had been given to them, and their dispersion and capture would have been easy; but I found that Sigel’s corps was on the march, and as we were compelled to retire foy 5 miles by the same road on which he would approach the town, I deemed it most prudent to get my wagons and prisoners off at once. I therefore moved

Cuar, XXXII1.) RAID ON POOLESVILLE, MD.

from the town at 8a. m., and after a march that day of 40) miles, encamped near Morrisville that night.

The next morning everything was put safely across the river, and we returned without having met any loss or casualty.

I can again speak in the highest terms of the conduct of my officers and men. They bore the privations and fatigue of the march—three nights in the snow—without complaint, and were always prompt and ready to carry out my orders. The success of the expedition is mainly attributabie to this good conduct on their part; and, though all that I desired to accomplish was not performed, enough was done by them, I trust, to make them merit the approval of the wajor-general commanding.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,