ORs: Report of Gen. Kilpatrick, commander of Federal Cavalry

Hdqrs. Cavalry Command, Army of Invasion
Douglass' House, near Black Stocks Station,
February 22, 1865.

Major L. M. Dayton, A. S. G. , Military Division of the Mississippi:

Major:
I am now encamped at Springville [Springwell], on railroad, and cross to J. Y. Mills' house, on Little Rocky Creek. My advance has been to within tive miles of Chesterville. A portion of Wheeler's cavalry is at that point, but he and Hampton are moving toward Landsford. General Carlin encamps tonight at Youngsville. I will move at an early hour for the pontoon, and my first brigade (General Atkins) will be at the river ready to cross at 3 p.m. tomorrow. By rapid marching I can reach Lancaster before the half of the rebel cavalry can reach that pointt. I think, however, they are marching for Charlotte. Cheatham has not yet crossed Broad River; was making preparations to do so to-day. The bridges you wished destroyed were all burned by Captain Northrop of my staff. An infantry lieutenant and seven men were murdered yesterday by the Eighth Texas Cavalry after they had surrendered. We found their bodies all together and mutilated, with paper on their breasts, saying, "Death to foragers. " Eighteen of my men were killed yesterday and some had their throats cut. There is no doubt about this, general, and I have sent Wheeler word that I intend to hand eighteen of his men, and if the cowardly acts is repeated, will burn every house along my line of march, and that can be reached by my scouting parties. I have a number of prisoners, and shall take a fearful revenge. My people were deliberately murdered and by a scourting of 300 men commanded by a lieutenant-colonel. I will try and see the general-in-chief at the bridge.

Very respectfully, &c.,
J. K. Kilpatrick,
Brevet Major-General.

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