Court-House, the enemy seemed to have been re- his head, but the Federal dodging the cut, rode enforced, and made a stand on the road, and in past, and as he did so, discharged two revolver fields to the right and left of it. Thinking to loads at Latane, killing him instantly. The enflank them, and capture the whole force, Colonel emy rapidly giving way, our men shouted in triLee, of the First, proceeded round their position umph, and cut right and left, pistolling the foe to cut off retreat, but the movement occupying with frightful accuracy and havoc; and seeing longer time than desired, the second squadron of the Federal commander in pursuit of Adjutant the Ninth prepared to charge. And as they Rodins, (who was himself in pursuit of an enemy,) trotted toward the enemy, the Federal leader a private dashed after him and clove his skull in could be plainly seen and heard haranguing his twain. The battle between these rival squadrons, troops, urging and begging them to act like men, though of short duration, was fierce and sanguinand stand. His eloquence was of no avail, and ary in the extreme. Scattered in all directions, as the second squadron of the Ninth increased and apparently paralyzed by the relentless fury their pace, and came near to them with flashing of this corps, the enemy fled in every direction, sabres, the Federal officer gallopped toward them, leaving killed, wounded, horses, accoutrements, thinking his men would follow. Not so, how- etc., in profusion upon the dusty roads. Successever, and as he wheeled his horse back again, ful pursuit being impossible, their camps were our men were upon him; he fell shot in the visited and destroyed; wagons on the road were head; his men gave a feeble volley with pistols, overtaken and burned, and the entire route from and scampered off the field in ludicrous style, Ashland, by Hanover Court - House and Old leaving killed and wounded behind, and many Church, to Station No. 22, (Tunstall's, we believe,) prisoners. Capturing outposts and pickets in on the York River Railroad, was naught else but great number, and overtaking wearied horsemen, a continuous scene of triumph and destruction. it was ascertained that the force engaged were Commissary and quartermaster's stores were squadrons of the Fifth United States regulars, seized and burned at every turn; prisoners and who had seen hard service in Texas and the In-horses were taken and sent to the rear, and by dian countries, and had never refused a charge before. Their camps were reported to be adjacent, and proceeding thither every thing was destroyed and put to the torch.

the time of their arrival at the railway station, more than one million dollars' worth of Federal property must have been captured and destroyed, besides scores of prisoners riding in the rear.

Upon approaching the railroad, cars were heard advancing, and the whistle sounded. By orders every man was instantly dismounted and ranged beside the track. Again the whistle blew, and thinking the force to be a friendly one perhaps, the steam was stopped, when the Caroline troop, opening fire, disclosed the ruse, and, putting on steam again, on sped the train towards the Chickahominy, and despite logs placed on the track, made good its escape, but the carriages being but uncovered freight-trucks, and having soldiers on them, the slaughter that ensued was frightful. Many of the enemy jumped from the train, and were afterwards captured or killed to the number of twenty or more. The engineer was shot dead by Lieut. Robinson.

From several captured in and about these camps it was ascertained that several regiments were waiting for our advance up the road, and as their pickets were stronger and more numerous than usual, it was deemed advisable to halt. The second squadron of the Ninth were dismounted and thrown to the front, (on the skirts of the wood, to the right and left of the road,) to act as skirmishers and defend the artillery, which was moved up and took position commanding a bridge in the hollow-the enemy's force and ours being screened from view by rising ground at either end of the road our force being farther from the front than theirs. Appearing in considerable force, the enemy advanced in admirable order; but, suddenly facing to the right about, were quickly retreating, when the dismounted men poured a galling volley into them, emptying many saddles, and causing much confusion. Reforming, they were a second time reënforced, and came on to the charge up the rise in gallant style. Burning to distinguish themselves, the third squadron of the Ninth, (composed of the Essex light dragoons, Capt. Latane, and Mercer County cavalry, Lieut. Walker commanding, under command of Capt. Latane,) had received orders to charge the advancing enemy, and putting spurs to their steeds, dashed gallantly along the road, the brave Latane fifteen paces in front. "Cut and thrust," shouted the Federal commander. "On to them, boys," yelled Latane, and the meeting squadrons dashed in full shock together. The front of either column were un-whelming force in pursuit, an unlikely route was horsed, and the fight became instantly hot and bloody. Capt. Latane singled out the Federal commander, and cut off the officer's hat close to

Still adding to their conquests at every step, a detachment was immediately sent to the White House, on the Pamunkey, and discovering four large transports moored there, and some hundred wagons or more, with teams, etc., in a wagonyard, all these were instantly seized, to the great fright and astonishment of the Federals, and the torch immediately applied to all things combustible. One of the transports escaped and floated down the river. The contents of the other three were chiefly valuable commissary and quartermaster's stores, vast quantities of army clothing, grain, fruits, and sutlers' stores. Tempting as they were, all things were laid in ashes, the horses led off and the prisoners secured. Thinking that the enemy would send out an over

selected, and the whole command proceeded in triumph to New-Kent Court-House. New-Kent Court-House being the rendezvous, the fourth

squadron of the Ninth, under command of Capt. segars were all consumed. Yankee products of Knight, (consisting of the Lunenburgh troops every description were appropriated without much and Lancaster cavalry,) having burned the ado, and with light hearts all quietly journeyed transports and wagons, joined the column on by a lonely road, near the main body of the eneits route thither. "Hab we got Richmon' yet, my, and a little before dawn of Sunday were on boss?" asked a darkey in a corn-field, turning up Chickahominy's bank, ready to cross. his eyeballs in admiration of the "Maryland cavalry;" "well, if we ain't, we soon shall, for McClellan and our boys is sure to fotch him." Others, however, proved keener-sighted than the negro: women ran to the wayside cottage-door; a flash of triumph mantled their cheek; and, as the eye kindles into a flame of admiration, tears trickle down, and "God bless you, boys," is all they say. Now and then an old man is met by the wayside, pensive and sad, but recognizing the horsemen, he stops, looks astonished, and throws up his hat for the "Maryland cavalry," just arrived. Others wave handkerchiefs-'tis useless to deceive them, for a woman instinctively discovers friends or foes at sight. "Our cavalry here!" exclaim they in wonder; and with hands clasped upon their breast, mutely, but eloquently, gaze. "Take care, men, take care. Heaven bless you; but take care-the enemy are everywhere." Such is their gentle warning, given to the weary, dusty, chivalric column dashing through the country in the enemy's rear.

The advance-guard having reached New-Kent, and found an extensive sutler's establishment, some dismount and enter. Every description of goods that taste or fancy might require are found in profusion here. Clothes of all descriptions and qualities, cutlery, sabres, pistols, shoes, preserves, conserves, boots, stationery, wines, liquors, tobacco, segars, tea, coffee, sugar, tapioca, maccaroni, champagne, sherry, and burgundy in great quantity; in fine, all that men could buy for money was there discovered, while round the store lolled Federal soldiers, and the sleek, fat proprietor eloquently holding forth upon McClellan's wonderful genius as a commander, and the speedy subjugation of the rebels. Our wearied horsemen called for refreshments, which the sutler handed to the "Maryland cavalry" (!) with great alacrity; but when pay was demanded our troopers roared with laughter, told the proprietor who they were, and much to his surprise and indignation, pronounced them all prisoners of war. As the other troops arrived it was found that a magnificent Federal ambulance had been captured on the route, containing many valuable medical stores. The vehicle and contents were burned when overtaken, the driver, good-looking, well-dressed doctor, and companions, being accommodated with a mule each, and were at the moment to be found among nearly two hundred other nondescripts sailors, teamsters, negroes, sutlers, etc., etc., in the motley cavalcade at the rear. Helping themselves liberally to all the store afforded, our troops remained at the sutler's till nearly midnight, (Friday,) when, being comparatively refreshed and all present, the head of the column was turned towards the Chickahominy and home. Champagne, we are told, flowed freely while anv remained; wines, liquors, and

Being far below all the bridges, and where deep water flows, they knew not how or where to cross! Here was an awful situation for a gallant band! Directed to Blind Ford, it was fifteen feet deep! The enemy had blocked up all the main roads, and had thousands scouring the country eager to entrap or slaughter them-but two miles from McClellan's quarters, within sound of their horse-pickets - and without means to cross! Quietly taking precautions against all surprise, strict silence being enjoined upon the prisoners, first one horseman plunged into the flood and then another, at different points—all too deep; no ford discoverable, no bridge! The horses, it was thought, would follow each other and swim the stream it was tried, and the horses carried away by the current! Breaking into small parties, the cavalrymen swam and re-swam the river with their horses, and when some fifty or more had been landed, a strange but friendly voice whispered in the dark: "The old bridge is a few yards higher up-it can be mended!" "Twas found, and mended it could be! Quietly working, tree after tree was felled, earth, and twigs, and branches were carried and piled up on the main props - old logs were rolled and patched across the stream, yet after long and weary labor the bridge was built, and the long and silent procession of cavalry, artillery, prisoners, and spoils safely and quietly passed this frail, impromptu bridge, scarcely any sounds being heard but the rush of waters beneath. Once across and in the swamp, all was industry and expedition. Artillery-axles sank low in the mire-ten Yankee horses were hitched to each piece, and as the first rays of morning crimsoned the tree-tops, the long line rapidly sought the shade of woods away from the Federal lines. Yet our troops had not proceeded far when the advance were halted. "Who comes there ?" cried the Federal horsemen in the swamp. "Who goes there?" calls another, and quicker than thought our advanceguard (by order) dash away into the open ground; the Federals fire half a dozen shots, and rush in pursuit. Into the thicket some half-dozen Federal horsemen dart after our men, and quicker than lightning are surrounded and prisoners!

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Once more within our lines, all went merry as a marriage-bell. Quickly the dirty, weary band sped along the Charles City road, dawn revealed them to our pickets, and they entered our camps faint and famished, but the noblest band of heroes that ever bestrode a charger, or drew a battle-blade for their birthright as freemen.

"What, then, was the general result?" asked we of a wearied, dusty trooper, watering his jaded and faithful animal by a roadside spring. "The result," answered he, proudly, but much exhausted, "the result? We have been in the saddle from Thursday morning until Saturday

Gen. Stuart returning to his headquarters about five o'clock yesterday morning.

noon, never breaking rein or breaking fast. We falling upon a train of about one hundred wagons have whipped the enemy wherever he dared to on the way, which they burned, securing the appear, never opposing more than equal forces; horses and mules, and taking one hundred and we have burned two hundred wagons, laden with seventy-five prisoners. All this work was accomvaluable stores, sunk or fired three large trans-plished during Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, ports, captured three hundred horses and mules, lots of side-arms, etc.; brought in one hundred and seventy prisoners, four officers, and many negroes; killed and wounded scores of the enemy; pleased Stuart, and had one man killed poor Capt. Latane! This is the result; and three million dollars cannot cover the Federal loss in goods alone. As to myself," said he, mounting and trotting away, "I wouldn't have missed the trip for one thousand dollars. History cannot show such another exploit as this of Stuart's!" He spoke the truth, honestly and roughly, as a true soldier serving under an incomparable leader. More words are not now needed; the whole country is astonished and applauds; McClellan is disgraced; Stuart and his troopers are now forever in history.

RICHMOND "EXAMINER" ACCOUNT.

The fruits of this three days' exploit are one hundred and seventy-five prisoners, between three hundred and four hundred horses and mules, three stand of colors, and the destruction of the enemy's stores, transports and wagons, valued at between two hundred thousand and three hundred thousand dollars. We lost but one man in the skirmishing, and that, we regret to say, was Capt. Latane, of the Essex troop.

The prisoners, one hundred and seventy-five in number, arrived in the city yesterday afternoon, in charge of a cavalry escort, and were confined in the prison corner of Twentieth and Cary streets.

As we have before stated, the force comprising the reconnoissance consisted of the First and Second regiments of Virginia cavalry, General Stuart; the Jeff Davis Legion, the cavalry of the Cobb Legion, and three pieces of artillery, These rendezvoused during Thursday at Ashland, and started to the work on Friday morning. Captain Latane was killed in the skirmish near Tunstall's station. He commanded a squadron of cavalry, and acted very gallantly. Five balls struck him in the body, and he fell from his horse and died instantly. A number of the Yankees were killed and captured here, and several of our men wounded slightly. When approached at

We have the pleasure this morning of chronicling one of the most brilliant affairs of the war, bold in its inception and most brilliant in its execution. On Thursday, Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, with the First and Ninth regiments of Virginia cavalry, and the cavalry of Cobb's Legion, and three of Stuart's artillery, left our lines on a reconnoissance of the enemy. The artillery pieces were drawn by twelve horses, and four spare horses to each. The force reached Hanover Court-House on Thursday, and soon after engaged near the Old Church two squadrons of the enemy's cav-close quarters, the Yankee cavalrymen tumbled alry, whom they dispersed by a charge, killing and wounding about forty of them, and taking a number prisoners. The force then proceeded down to Putney's Landing, on the Pamunkey River, where three large steam transports were lying, loaded with commissary and ordnancestores for McClellan. These they captured and burned with the stores, there being no means of conveying them away.

This accomplished, the cavalry proceeded on toward Tunstall's station, on the York River Railroad. When within a short distance, a train was heard coming down the road going in the direction of West-Point. The track was immediately barricaded, and a portion of the cavalry was dismounted, and drawn up to receive the train with their volleys if it did not halt. In a few moments the train came dashing along, loaded with soldiers. As soon as the engineer saw the position of affairs, he put on all steam, and the engine knocked the obstructions from the track, when the long file of dismounted cavalry now opened upon the train a terrible fire that ran along its whole length. The engineer was shot dead at his post, others fell from the tops of the cars, and it was evident that inside the cars the slaughter was very great. The train, completely riddled with bullets, kept on its way.

The cavalry, after this exploit, pushed around in the rear of the Chickahominy to James River,

from their horses and took to the woods and thickets, leaving their horses and equipments in our possession. The body of Capt. Latane was placed in an ambulance, with the wounded, and sent back over the route toward Ashland.

The depot at Tunstall's was burned, and the most valuable portable property secured. The train fired upon consisted of eight flats or gondolas, filled with soldiers, and was coming from the direction of the White House towards Tunstall's.

An attempt was made to turn the railroad switch, so as to bring the train to the station, but it was found to be locked. When the train was first heard approaching, the cavalry was some distance from the road, and had to ride very hard to get up in time to obstruct the track and deliver a volley, which did great execution, the Yankees falling from the cars by scores. The cavalry kept in rapid motion in detached squads, so as to prevent any information of their whereabouts from being conveyed to the main body of the enemy. Halts were only made long enough to complete the work of destruction at the various points, and to pick up a few prisoners in their path. All round they could be seen skipping over the fields like frightened deer; but their capture was deemed hardly worth the danger a halt would incur.

Thus our forces went for thirty miles down to Charles City Court-House. Returning before