ree officers of Mosby's. The loss of
the enemy was very heavy in killed, besides many wounded, who scattered
and prevented capture. I have no hopes of the recovery of Major Steele,
of the First Virginia. Our loss is one killed and fourteen wounded."

Templeman, one of Stonewall Jackson's best spies, was killed; and the
partisans confessed themselves thoroughly whipped. They were wont to
call this their first retreat, in which they did some tall running. The
following complimentary order was issued:

HEADQUARTERS STAHEL'S CAVALRY DIVISION,
Fairfax Court House, Va., ----, 1863.

SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 80.

When soldiers perform brave deeds, a proper acknowledgment
of their services is justly their due. The commanding
general, therefore, desires to express his gratification at
the conduct of the officers and men of Colonel De Forest's
command, who were engaged in the fight at Warrenton
Junction, on Sunday, ----, 1863. By your promptness and
gallantry the gang of guerillas who have so long infested
the vicinity has been badly beaten and broken up. The heavy
loss of the enemy in killed, wounded, and prisoners, proves
the determination of your resistance and the vigor of your
attack. Deeds like this are worthy of emulation, and give
strength and confidence to the command.

By command of
MAJOR-GENERAL STAHEL.

Thoroughly as Mosby had been whipped on this occasion, and diminished as
was his command, it was not long before he was again heard from. It must
be confessed that he possessed remarkable recuperative powers. His
qualities of heart and mind seemed to attach his men to him peculiarly,
while his mode of warfare was calling many young and daring Virginians
to his standard. By this means his numbers were soon recruited, and he
was again on the rampage.

At this time the government was sending supplies to the army on the
Rappahannock _via_ the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. Each train was in
charge of a guard, and all the principal bridges and exposed places on
the route were under pickets. Besides this, frequent patrols were sent
from one picket post to the other, so that the entire road was under a
close surveillance. One morning, between seven and eight o'clock, the
cavalry pickets and reserves about Catlett's Station were startled by
artillery firing just below them on the railroad. A train laden with
rations and f