[correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
the recent scouting affair in the Peninsula.
Cavalry Camp at Nash's Farm, October 16, 1861.
The prisoners were taken by detachments of men from the Charles City, Cumberland, Halifax, and Old Dominion Troops, the whole under command of Capt. Phillips.
They left camp with no idea of having a fight, but hearing of this party of the enemy, determined to attack it. Our fellows, ‘"ever eager for the fray,"’ dashed forward at a sweeping gallop, and soon came in sight of the Yankees--seventy or eighty in number engaged in tearing down a dwelling-house, and placing the timber in a wagon to convey to Newport News. --So soon as our cavalry came in sight, the cowardly rogues took to their heels and made for the woods without firing a gun, until they were safe in this covert, where, owing to the dense growth and the swampy nature of the ground, we were unable to follow them.
We did not fire a gun, for the main body of the enemy fled too precipitately to be overtaken either by our horses or our bullets, and the twelve who were cut off threw down their arms and cried for mercy.
We also took a wagon and four fine mules. Mot.
