Culpeper, Monday, August 11.—The brigade of cavalry, under command of Gen. Buford, made a descent on Madison Court House on Tuesday, the 5th inst. He found the Confederates had been there, but had left. He made a reconnoissance In every direction, and met Confederate pickets on every road. On the 7th inst., the pickets on the road to Stannardsville had a skirmish, losing one killed and three wounded. On the 8th, the 1st Maryland had another skirmish on the Orange Court House road, in which they lost, and about a dozen taken prisoners. Being reinforced by the 1st Michigan, the Confederates were driven to the Rapidan. A strong reconnoissance was made the same evening to the Rapidan, on the Orange road, and a skirmish was going on without loss, when orders came from General Buford to return to Madison Court House.—The party got back at 9 a. m. on the 9th, and found everything ready for a retreat towards Sperryville. as the Confederates were approaching from every direction. The party reached Woodville in safety, and there encamped.—They reached Culpeper Monday next.
The escape of the brigade is considered almost miraculous, as they were surrounded on almost every side, and many gave the party up for lost. Gen. Buford deserves great praise for the manner in which he extricated his command.
Alexandria Gazette, Alexandria, VA