General Imboden reports that Captains [John H.] McNeill and [George W.] Stump, of his cavalry, with 23 men, attacked a supply train of the enemy on the evening of the 16th, on the Northwestern turnpike, 5 miles west of Romney, guarded by 150 infantry and cavalry. After a brisk skirmish, the guard was driven off, 72 taken prisoners, 106 horses with harness, some saddles, bridles, pistols, and sabers captured. Though hotly pursued to the South Branch of the Potomac, Captain McNeill, by marching all night, succeeded in bringing his prisoners, &c., into Hardy, 12 miles south of Moorefield, where, for want of subsistence, he had to parole the former. No loss on his side is reported. These successes show the vigilance of the cavalry and do credit to their officers. The weather and condition of the country forbid any military operations. The last fall of snow was fully a foot deep. The rain of last night and today will add to the discomfort of the troops and the hardships of our horses. I had hoped that the latter would have been in good condition for the spring campaign. The prospect in the beginning of the winter was good, and continued so until recently. Now, when their labors are much increased, it is impossible to procure sufficient forage.
R. E. LEE, General.
GENERAL: I have received your letter of the 31st ultimo, by Capt. George W. Stump. I think it very important, in the quiescent state of affairs in your department, to endeavor to drive the enemy from Hardy and Hampshire Counties, and break up his position at Romney and Petersburg; but I am unable, at this time, to detach any portion of this army to your assistance. The enemy is reported to be again advancing toward the Rappahannock, and, until I can discover his intentions, I do not think it prudent to diminish my present force. But should an opportunity offer of re-enforcing you, I should be glad to do so. In the meantime, I hope you will take advantage of every occasion to annoy and harass the enemy, even if you cannot drive him north of the Potomac. I would not recommend an attack on Romney or Petersburg, if they are so strongly fortified as you suppose, but suggest that you endeavor to draw the enemy out, by either attacking his line of communication, or some point on the railroad which will necessitate his moving against you. A thousand bold men, which you say you can mount, can accomplish a great deal by the promptness of their movements. I will write to General Sam. Jones to see if the operations in his department will enable him to re-enforce you; or, at any rate, to make a demonstration upon the enemy to prevent his concentrating upon you. Your late exploit at Charlestown gives me great reason to hope that you will be able, before the approach of winter, to deal another serious blow upon the enemy at some point of his line. I hope, at any rate, you will be able to get out all the cattle, hogs, and horses that can be made available for our use. It will be very advantageous to get out the flour you propose from Frederick, and the wheat from Clarke, if possible; but at this time I can do nothing to aid you. In a conversation with Captain Stump, he thinks great damage can be done to the transportation on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad by the operations of a party of picked men constantly hovering along its line and watching their opportunity. I agree with him in thinking that much could be done in this way, but am aware of the difficulty of raising such a force. If you think it feasible, detachments might be made temporarily from your companies, under Captain Stump, and the practicability of the plan tested. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GENERAL: Having had a thirty days' leave of absence in my pocket since the 7th instant, and my reasons for going home being very urgent, I will leave in the morning. I have remained here on duty for the past two weeks because I believed my knowledge of the country would be of essential service to the country; but as you are now in a region well known to yourself, this peculiar advantage no longer attaches to my services, and I know that I leave my brigade in the hands of a highly competent officer, Col. George H. Smith, of the Sixty-second Regiment, who will handle the troops certainly as well, perhaps better than I could do. If in pursuit of supplies you have to go to Hampshire County, or send over there, permit me to recommend to you, as fully acquainted with all the resources of that county and Hardy, Capt. George W. Stump, of the Eighteenth Virginia Cavalry. Captain Stump can give you more valuable information than any man in my command in regard to supplies in Hampshire and Hardy. He knows where every lot of cattle in those counties can be obtained, and has very recently returned from a trip there in search of supplies. I take pleasure in recommending him to you as a man perfectly reliable in every respect, and one who will be exceedingly valuable to you, should you send to the counties named. Colonel Smith will report to you with the brigade as soon as he can reach you in the jaded condition of our horses. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. IMBODEN, Brigadier-General.
