[correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
skirmish in Rappahannock.
Flint Hill, Rappahannock co., Va, July 4th, 1862.
We had quite an animated skirmish in our neighborhood to-day.
While ten of the Independent Scouts, under command of Capt. C. B. Brent, were scouting near here they fell in with a party of 15 Yankees, who have been pillaging here for some time past.
Led by their gallant Captain they made a dashing charge on the Hessians, killing six and putting the rest to flight, hotly pursued by the scouts.
They had not gone more than half a mile before they ran full into a camp of 200 Yankee cavalry.
Seeing resistance useless they turned to retreat, when they found they were surrounded by the vandals, who immediately commenced firing on them.
Two of the scouts were killed and Capt. Brent's horse shot from under him and himself wounded in the shoulder.
Notwithstanding, he collected the remainder of his little band and jumping upon a Yankee horse, which happened to be near, gallantly charged the enemy and succeeded in cutting his way through, leaving five of his men on the field.
Captain Brent is a native of Alexandria, and is generally known through this part of the country for his daring and successful scouts, and if his wound should be serious this section will lose its chief defence.
Since the fight the Yankees have moved their camp — it is not known where as they moved in the night, fearful of being attacked by a superior force.
They are very scary, and I think if Capt. Brent had two or more companies under his command he would soon rid us of them altogether.
Five thousand Yankees are reported to be in Warrenton, advancing on Culpeper C. H. I do not know whether it is so or not, if it is, this will most likely be my last opportunity of giving you any information. J. G. G. 