Pollard and Dahlgren- Well Endorsed

In 1864 New Kent native James Pollard, son of James Camm Pollard of Roxbury and Caroline Nelson Pollard née Page, had a run in with history.

Or to be more precise he set a ambush for it on a cold March night in King and Queen county . . .

Reports of Lieut. James Pollard, Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

MARCH 7, 1864.

GENERAL: Early on the morning of the 2d I received information from my scouts that the portion of the column which attacked Richmond on 1st March were attempting to escape through King William and King and Queen Counties to Gloucester Point. I immediately sent a dispatch to Captain McGruder, Forty-second Battalion, to join me, and started in pursuit with the remainder of my company, about 25 men, having sent the rest to scout [and] picket the numerous roads and ferries. I overtook the enemy about 4 p. m. and attacked his rear, skirmishing with him for several miles. I then turned off on a by-road to head him, sending a few men to harass his rear. Was reenforced by Captain McGruder with about 30 men and a number of the home guard, and placed them in line of battle at a point that the enemy was obliged to pass. I then sent for Captain Fox, Fifth Virginia Cavalry, and he joined me with as many of his company as he had been able to collect (about 15 men) just in time to meet the enemy, who advanced upon our position about 11.30 p. m. The colonel commanding (Dahlgren) was killed at the first fire and several wounded. They then retreated in confusion, leaving the roads and taking to the fields. As soon as it was light we discovered them scattered about in a field dismounted, when we advanced and found that the whole force had surrendered to a Confederate officer who was a prisoner with them, except the commissioned officers and a few men who had dismounted and fled to the woods. The officers and most of the men have since been captured. The whole number captured will amount to about 175- 40 negroes and 135 soldiers.

I am indebted to Captains McGruder and Fox and the home guard for their cordial cooperation, as well as the coolness and bravery of their men in meeting the enemy.

I have the honor to be , general, your most obedient servant,

JAMES POLLARD,

First Lient., Comdg. Co. H, 9th Va. Cav. (on detached service).

Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee

                                                 [First indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, March 9, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded for the information of the commanding general.

Lieutenant Pollard deserves great credit for his gallantry, and his men and officers who so zealously co-operated with him should share the praise due them. Lieutenant Pollard is first lieutenant of Company H, Ninth Virginia Cavalry, Chambliss brigade, Lees division, Cavalry Corps.

J. E. B. STUART,

Major-General.

                                                [Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS, March 11, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded for information of the Department, heartily concurring in the commendation of General Stuart.

R. E. LEE,

General.

                                                  [Third indorsement.]

MARCH 21, 1864.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL: A gallant exploit, and one which exhibits what a few resolute men may do to punish the enemy on their marauding raids.

J. A. S.,

Secretary.

-The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies.; 
Series 1- Volume 33