The Gettysburg Campaign - Full Report of General J. E. B. Stuart Page 5

I was anxious, on account of the women and children, to avoid a conflict in the village; but the enemy, true to his reckless and inhuman instincts, sought to take advantage of this disinclination on our part by attacking furiously our rear guard. In an instant the same men who had with so much coolness retired before the enemy, wheeled about and with admirable spirit drove back the enemy - killing, wounding and capturing a large number. In this General Hampton's brigade participated largely and in a brilliant manner. His report, not yet sent in, will no doubt give full particulars.

After this repulse, which was not followed up, as the enemy's infantry was known to be in close supporting distance, I withdrew the command leisurely to the mountain gap west of Upperville.

The enemy attacked Brigadier-General Robertson, bringing up the rear in this movement, and was handsomely repulsed; the brave and efficient Colonel Evans, of the Sixty-third North Carolina troops, was, however, severely and it was feared fatally wounded, his body falling into the hands of the enemy. Jones' and W. H. F. Lee's brigades joined the main body near the gap, and positions were taken to dispute any further advance. The day was far spent. The enemy did not attack the gap, but appeared to go into camp at Upperville. In the conflicts on the left, the enemy was roughly handled. Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis, Ninth Virginia cavalry, was very severely and it was believed fatally wounded, and left in the hands of the enemy. The reports of brigade commanders will show further details of these encounters.

Fitz. Lee's brigade, being before Snicker's gap, did not participate in these operations.

By night part of Longstreet's corps occupied the mountain pass, and the cavalry was ordered farther back for rest and refreshment, of which it was sorely in need, leaving ample pickets in front and on either flank. When the midst had sufficiently cleared away next morning, it was evident the enemy was retiring, and the cavalry was ordered up immediately to the front to follow. The enemy was pursued to within a short distance of Aldie, and a number captured. Colonel Rosser, Fifth Virginia cavalry, having been sent across from Snickersville early to reconnoitre, contributed very materially to the vigor of this pursuit. Major Eels, of his regiment, a gallant and meritorious officers, was killed in a charge upon the enemy near Goose Creek brigade. Our lines were much further advanced than before, and Monday (the 22d) was consumed in their re-establishment.

Our loss in these operations was 65 killed, 279 wounded and 166 missing.

I resumed my own position at Rector's cross-roads, and being in constant communication with the Commanding-General, had scouts busily engaged watching and reporting the enemy's movements, and reporting the same to the Commanding-General. In this difficult search the fearless and indefatigable Major Mosby was particularly active and efficient. His information was always accurate and reliable.

The enemy retained one army corps (Fifth) at Aldie, and kept his cavalry near enough to make attacks upon the latter productive of no solid benefits, and I began to look for some other point at which to direct an effective blow.