[correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
a successful scout on the Potomac — capture of Yankees, &c.
Cavally Brigade, Centreville, Dec. 17, 1861.
I herewith send you the details of a successful scout by the Confederates, which came off yesterday.
Our General, Stuart , ordered a detachment of fifty cavalry and three companies of infantry to meet him at Fairfax Station by eight o'clock. It reminded me forcibly and pleasantly of the meeting place of hunters to see so many and well-mounted men waiting for their gallant leader.
We then pushed on, taking the direction of the railroad towards Burke Station, which is about three miles from Fairfax Station.
When we arrived at the Account run, the General posted the infantry on its banks, and at the head of the cavalry crossed the ‘ "run,"’ and went to the mansion of Ravensworth, than which a more beautiful place I have never seen, owned by a widow lady, Mrs. Fitzhugh.
As we approached the premises we saw in the distance several ‘"blue-coats,"’ making ‘"Bull Run time"’ for the pine thicket.
One of the advanced guard fired at a flying Yankee, but without effect, except probably the urging him to more strenuous efforts to escape.
We then began charging, and Lieut. Hampton, Aid-de-Camp to General Johnston, being ahead, charged through the gate, and dashing gallantly and fearlessly up the hill, seized the first ‘"armed foe, "’ at the same time demanding his gun. Frank P. Finlay was also very fortunate in catching another, and the third was caught by some one else, the name of whom I am unable to give.
They fled without shooting once.
‘"Burke, the scout,"’ was among the foremost, and endeavored earnestly to retaliate by capturing a Yankee.
A Cavalayman.
