Gen. Stuart's recent reconnaissance.
[correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.] On Wednesday evening, the 24th of December, the cavalry, under the command of Gen. W. H. F. Lee, left this place to unite with the other commands under Gen. J. F. B. Stuart, to, as I presumed, reconnoitre the Yankee army. All seemed to be in excellent spirits in anticipation of a pleasant trip, and in hopes of capturing the commissary and sutler stores of the enemy, over which they expected to have a merry and happy Christmas, besides providing themselves with clothing and other articles necessary for winter.Everything glided on quietly — crossing the Rappahannock without difficulty, and then moving on slowly till we arrived near the small village known as Dumfries, where, as you, perhaps, recollect, some months ago eight Texas scouts defeated and caused fifty Yankees to retreat which had attacked them When arriving in front of that town the artillery was soon placed in position, and in a few minutes that of the enemy and our own were soon engaged. Sharpshooters were sent forward, the enemy were driven back with a loss of a good many killed and wounded, and many of their wagons and commissary stores were consumed by fire. The only wounded on our side, that I am informed of, was Capt. Bullock, of the 5th regiment of cavalry, his company being from the vicinity of Petersburg, a gallant young officer. He is said to have been, and all expressed sorrow when we heard he was, mortally wounded.
About dark we left the place, and moved on to Occoquan, where we come on some of the Pennsylvania sour-kraut Dutch cavalry, who, to use a Yankee phrase, skedaddled, firing their pistols off without being particular in which direction. Many of these representatives of the Keystone State were captured, and they were truly fair specimens of the "flat- foot" Dutch.
If we are to believe what the prisoners say, their whole army is disgusted and sick of the war. They express themselves in the strongest terms denouncing their officers, President, Cabinet, etc. They are kept ignorant of all their disasters, or anything that would tend to discourage them. The writer of this asked a crowd of at least thirty if they could let him have a Northern paper, "No!" was the almost simultaneous response; "we have not seen a newspaper for four weeks. They are for bidden us, and are not allowed to be brought into camp."
We moved on Every appearance along the route, till we arrived at Burk's Station, had the desolating appearance that generally presents itself to the eye when you pass over the country where an invading army has been before you. Arriving at Burk's Station, I am informed, we captured the telegraph operator and his battery. Gen. Stuart is said to have sent a dispatch to General Burnside, but I could not learn the purport of it.--Of course Burnside scratched his head and fretted himself when he received it. I am told the bridges for several miles below and above the station were burned, and a quantity of army stores consumed.
We moved on to a thick body of woods; the long roll of the enemy could be heard in almost every direction; every road that we were expected to come out was said to be heavily ambos with infantry, and they were sure of their game; but we, who know Gen. Stuart, felt that all would be right. We moved on slowly, taking roads that a Yankee would hardly travel on foot, and just about day came up to a beautiful farm, which is said to have belonged to a Yankee, and which contained plenty of food for our horses, and then we went into the confiscating business in earnest. After refreshing ourselves we moved on towards a village called Aldle, smile beyond which we encamped.
The inhabitants were delighted to see us — previsions were freely distributed; water was setting out in buckets for us as we passed. The ladies said they could hardly realize the fact that the rebels were again among them.
At a town called Middleburg, Confederate colors were to be seen everywhere. Cheers for Jeff, Davis, Stuart's cavalry, etc., were given by the young ladies with a hearty will. At Warrenton the same enthusiasm was displayed. All seemed joyous — all was gay.
After a fatiguing trip of ten days we returned to camp, and are now resting our jaded steeds and recruiting ourselves.
