Virginia Infantry. The enemy's force was about 300. The Thirteenth [West] Virginia is at Barboursville, not under my command. They may intercept the enemy's retreat. It cannot be done from here. I have no telegraphic communication with Barboursville. Colonel Brown is in command here. Boats will commence running again tomorrow, accompanied by sufficient guards.

JAMES M. COMLY,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding

Brigadier-General Cullum,

Chief of Staff.

___________________

DECEMBER 14, 1863. - Affair near Catlett's Station, Va.

Report of Brigadier General Samuel W. Crawford, U. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS PENNSYLVANIA RESERVES,
Warrenton Junction, December 13, 1863.

SIR: A party of 6 guerrillas, dressed in the uniform overcoats of our soldiers, attacked Colonel Hardin, commanding at Catlett's Station, who, in company with Lieutenant-Colonel Gustin, Twelfth Regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Dare, commanding Fifth Regiment, were examining the vicinity of the camp for means of additional defense. The attack occurred along the railroad, 1 1/2 miles from Catlett's, within sight of one of our pickets.

Colonel Hardin was shot through the arm, the bone being badly broken. His horse was killed. Colonel Gustin was shot in the hand and His horse wounded.

The guerrillas retreated toward Warrenton. Our cavalry are in pursuit.

S. W. CRAWFORD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Colonel Fred. T. Locke,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifth Corps

____________________

DECEMBER 14-24, 1863 - MISCELLANEOUS CAVALRY AFFAIRS IN VIRGINIA.

Report of Major General J. E. B. Stuart, C. S. Army, Commanding cavalry.

HDQRS CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
January 2, 1864.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report the following daring enterprises among those achieved during the past month in "petit guerre" against the enemy by this command:

Private Frank Stringfellow, Fourth Virginia Cavalry, whose name is already well known for personal prowess, with one other, captured Major Edmands, Thirty-second Massachusetts Volunteers, and his orderly [December 16] near Bealeton, in Fauquier County, and brought them safely to these headquarters.

With 4 men, a day or two previously, near Catlett's Station, he