A skirmish took place near Romney, Va., on Wednesday last, between a small detachment of Col. Ashby’s Cavalry and a party of 67 of Lincoln’s Cavalry. Deluded by a professed deserter, they were led into an ambush and surrounded by Lincoln’s troops. Capt. Dick Ashby first encountered them with only 11 men. The Hessians demanded their surrender, to which Capt A. and his men replied with a discharge from their guns. The fight was severe, but Col. Ashby coming up with a squad decided the contest. The enemy ran, leaving 18 men dead and a number wounded. Col. Ashby lost two men, several wounded, among them himself and Capt. Ashby severely.
A severe skirmish took place at Matthias Point on Thursday night last, between our troops and a Lincoln force under Capt. Ward, of the Freeborn. They landed with a number of men, with sand bags, &c, to erect a battery. They were attacked by two Virginia companies, and driven back to their boats. The loss of the enemy was six killed, among them Capt. Ward, twelve were drowned, and some twenty ran into the woods, who have been hunted by our troops.
General expectation is looking for warm work in a few days in the neighborhood of Manassas. There is but little general news.
Semi-Weekly Standard, Raleigh, NC
I had not realized the fighting back and forth from the banks of the Potomac began so early, before 1st Manassas. I just joined this website and I can tell I will enjoy and learn.
There were several skirmishes and naval / shore engagements along the river – I’ve transcribed articles on Mathias Point & Acquia Creek so far.
I enjoy the smaller “sideline” actions that don’t get a ton of attention, because they seem to have more of the human touch, when talking about individuals and small units rather than armies locking horns (and hearing mostly about the generals).