the same manner. Majors Hudson and W ailes, of my staff, still suf- fering with more than one wonnd received at my side, nevertheless continue to render most gallant, efficient, and untiring service. Cap- tains Rawle and Ryan had also won more than ordinary commenda- tion. Colonel Grigsby, my chief of staff; Captain Steele, chief engineer; Major Norton, chief quartermaster; Major Thomas, chief commissary, and Surgeon Lewis, medical director, and Colonel Messick, provost- marshal, had been efficient in their several departments. To all these officers I tender my most heartfelt thanks. With great respect, your obedient servant, J. WHEELER, Lieutenant- General. No. 305. Report of ~31apt. William 12. Church, Ninth Georgia Cavalry, command- ing Mounted Detachment, Army of Northern Virginia, of operations January 317. HEADQUARTERS MOUNTED DETACHMENT, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, January 27, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor hereby to transmit through you to the major-general commanding the subjoined report of the operations of this command while in the vicinity of Pocotaligo, S. C.: Arriving upon the 3d day of January and having been assigned to Colonel Colcock, commanding cavalry, I was by him given for picket the line from the Mackays Point road, south of Pocotaligo River, north to the Tullifinny, and in front of that portion of the line held by the brigades commanded by Colonels Hardy and Fiser. My line was kept up without molestation from the enemy, and the duty performed with vigi- lance and attention by both officers and men. Upon the morning of the 14th instant, the enemy having effected a landing at Port Royal Ferry, I was moved with my command down toward that point, and placed with Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, commanding Third South Carolina Cavalry, in the works at Horspa Creek, near Gardens Cross-Roads. The enemy appeared in my front at 10 a. in., when skirmishing at long range took place, without loss to either side, and continued till 3 p. in., when, the enemy having brought up their artillery and were heavily shelling us, and our flank having been turned by the force on the Sheldon road hav- ing been driven back, we were ordered to retire by Colonel Johnson, which we did in good order and without being pressed by the enemy. Upon arriving at the fort at Old Pocotaligo, we were again placed in position. One of my companies, having been thrown forward as skir- mishers, engaged the enemy until nightfall, when they were withdrawn to the fort. Half of my command was then dismounted and the others sent to the station to feed the horses, by orders from Colonel Colcock. I remained in the fort until 3 a. m. 15th instant, when I was ordered by Colonel Colcock to withdraw my command on the McPhersonville road, after destroying the rice on Heywards plantation. I withdrew - my command as directed and retired without being annoyed by the enemy, reaching MePhersonville at daylight the 15th. Here I estab- lished my pickets from Coosawhatchie River to the Salkehatchie road. My scouts were driven out of Pocotaligo Station at about 8 a. m. the 15th instant. Upon the same evening I was relieved and ordered to report to Major-General McLaws, which I did January 17.