skirmishing with the enemy, were supported by the First Rhode Island Regiment and First Massachusetts Cavalry, of this brigade. Loss in skirmish of February 26 and 27, 36 killed, wounded, and missing.

February 28.-The two above-named regiments returned to camp.

No officers killed of wounded.

Numbers 5. Report of Brigadier General Fitzhugh Lee, C. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS LEE'S CAVALRY BRIGADE,
Culpeper Court-House, va., February 27, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to report that I crossed the Rappahannock River at Kelly's Ford on the 24th instant, on a reconnaissance, with 400 men of my command, consisting of detachments of the First, Second, and Third Regiments Virginia Cavalry, commanded, respectfully, by Colonels [J. H.] Drake, [T. T.] Munford, and Lieutenant-Colonel [William R.] Carter.

On the 25th, I drove in the enemy's pickets near Hardwood Church, and attacked his reserve and main body. Routed them, and pursued them within 5 miles of Falmouth, to their infantry lines. Killed and wounded many of them. Captured 150 prisoners, including 5 commissioned officers, with all their horses, arms, and equipments. I them withdrew my command slowly, retiring by detachments. Encamped at Morrisville that night, and on the 26 th recrossed the river, and returned to camp with my prisoners. The successive charges were splendidly executed. My loss in killed, wounded, and missing was 14.

I regret to report that Surgeon [W. B.] Davis and Lieutenant [E. W.] Horner, of the Second Regiment, were left in the enemy's lines, I fear mortally wounded. Lieutenant [J.] Alexander, also of the same regiment, was taken prisoner.

Lieutenants [G. W.] Dorsey and [R.] Cecil, of Company k, First Virginia Cavalry, and Adjutant [Lomax] Tayloe, Captain [T. B.] Holland, Lieutenants [William] Stoptoe and [S. C.] Kilkpatrick, and Sergeant Fulks, Second Regiments Virginia Cavalry, are especially commended by their immediate commanders for good conduct in action.

As coming under my own observation, I mention the gallant conduct of Colonels Munford and Drake, and Lieutenant-Colonel Carter; also Majors [W. A.] Morgan, of the First, and [C.] Breckinridge, of the Second Regiment.

Major [Robert F.] Mason, Surgeon [A. C.] Randolph, Captain [Thomas F.] Bowie, Lieutenants [H. C.] Lee and [G. M.] Ryals, of my staff, were of much assistance. The enemy's force was far superior to mine. I took prisoners from seven different regiments.

I have also to report that one of my men who taken by the enemy, and afterward retaken by our men, reports that he was shot by the enemy when about to be recaptured. i inclose on a separate paper information obtained.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

FITZ. LEE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Major NORMAN R. FITZHUGH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Division.

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* Not found.

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