March 2, 1864 (Wednesday): Dahlgren's Raid Breaks Down

Mechanicsville Turnpike Bridge, Near Richmond

HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY, SECOND CORPS,
March 2, 1864.
    LIEUTENANT: I have the pleasure to announce the escape of Lieutenant-Colonel Jones and Captain Watson. They effected their escape night before last between the hours of 9 and 11 o'clock. the enemy were then across South Anna River, having crossed at Turkey Creek Ford. Colonel Jones estimated the column at 1,500. Colonel Dahlgren, commanding, stated he had 2,000. Besides this column another one crossed the railroad at Beaver Dam (where everything was destroyed), numbering between 2,000 and 3,000 men, and believed to be under Kilpatrick. It has four pieces of artillery. The column passing here had no artillery. Both columns said their destination was Richmond.
    Very respectfully, your obedient servant,


    A. L. LONG,
    Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 33, Part 1, Page 211.

Dahlgren's force had been delayed by the lack of a suitable fording spot.  In the confusion pursuant to these activities, Colonel Jones and Captain Watson of the court-martial party who had been captured the day before made their escape.