June 24, 1863, The New York Herald
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
June 23, 1863.
General Pleasanton had the greatest cavalry fight that has yet taken place.
Early on Sunday morning General Pleasanton advanced on the enemy at a point beyond Middleburg, being supported by General Barnes’ division of infantry.
A fight ensued, which was kept up all day, General Stuart being driven back steadily, with heavy loss, clear into Ashby Gap, beyond Upperville, a distance of twelve miles.
General Pleasanton captured two guns (one a Blakeley) and three caissons, and blew up another caisson. He also captured upwards of a hundred prisoners, including one lieutenant colonel, one major and five other officers.
The enemy left their dead and wounded on the field, and in the town of Upperville a large number of wounded rebels were found.
General Pleasanton describes it as a most disastrous day to the rebel cavalry.
Our cavalry behaved with the greatest intrepidity, and as usual did terrible execution with the sabre.
General Stuart has fortified Ashby’s Gap, and will probably hold it against our further advance.
Considering the extensive nature of the fight, our loss is light, and will not exceed in killed, wounded and missing one hundred and seventy-five.
The enemy left a ten pound Parrott gun carriage on the field. They probably threw the gun into Goose creek after it was dismounted.
Two rebel colonels are known to have been killed.
Colonel Vincent’s infantry brigade (General Butterfield’s old brigade) were actively engaged, and behaved with great courage.
General Buford’s cavalry column operated on the right, and successfully drove large force of the enemy before him, and captured a number of prisoners, including two lieutenant colonels.
Our cavalry justly feel gleeful over their late exploits, and the infantry partake of the same spirit, and are now ready to back up the cavalry in their achievements.
Four hundred wagonloads of wounded are reported by the citizens to have taken through the gap. This is believed to be exaggerated.
T. B.