I posted this piece last year at this time as part of a series on the December 1863 raid by Union forces on the village of Charles City Court-House. I entitled it "Snark" as John Moncure Daniel raked confederate forces over the coals for their perceived incompetence in general and the uselessness of the cavalry in particular.
THE WAR IN VIRGINIA,
CAPTURE OF CAVALRY NEAR RICHMOND.
From the Richmond Examiner, Dec. 16.
We have some facts concerning the inconsiderable cavalry affair at Charles City Court-house. Several citizens of the county have made the trip to Richmond to post us as to the facts. Two companies of our cavalry were captured entire. We lament the loss of the horses. The force of the enemy, as estimated by our informants, who counted them on their way up to the Court-house, was two hundred. The number of our men captured was at least two hundred. Each Yankee took a man. One of our companies was on parade when the enemy came in sight, and, without resistance, threw down their arms and surrendered, the other company made a show of resistance, but only a show. The citizens of Charles City mourn this event—they weep and cannot be comforted, because all the cavalry, who, up to this time, have been roaming over that country, shooting deer, partridges and poor people's turkeys, had not been captured. A few more of the sort are unfortunately left. We regret to learn that Lieut. S. BALLARD. of this city, was very badly wounded. We are said to have killed six Yankees and wounded many, but we think this very doubtful. The enemy burnt the Court-house and returned toward Williamsburgh. It is unnecessary to make any comments on this brilliant affair.
-The New York Times, December 18, 1863
However a recent search at the Library of Virginia reveals that Daniel apparently had a change of mind, if not of heart . . .
-MORE TOMORROW-
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