Alexandria Gazette

Capt. Dimmock, U. S. A.-In giving the following account of an act of gallantry on the part of one the officers of the Army, the Fredericksburg Arena pleasantly remarks that this little incident is published from admiration of gallantry and presence of mind, and on the most unquestionable authority-and with no view, whatever, of nominating Capt. Dimmock for the Vice Presidency! We are gratified to be able to state that the casualties of the service have presented an opportunity of promoting this gallant officer, and that he is now a full captain in the 2d Artillery.

Our readers may recollect a skirmish, some months ago, between a small party of U. States troops, and a superior force of Indians, in the vicinity of St. Augustine, in which the latter were routed with a considerable loss. Brevet Capt. Dimmock, then of 1st Artillery, commanded the Regulars, and in his official report, gave a brief and technical account of the fight. A brother officer, some time afterwards, accidentally overhearing some soldiers speaking with admiration of the part Capt. D. bore in the skirmish, was induced to believe that he had not done himself justice. His suspicions were increased when, on asking the particulars from the Captain, he received a reluctant and guarded account of the affair. The officer summoned to his presence the Sergeant who was with the party-there was no other commissioned officer than Capt. D. attached to it-and learnt the following details:

In the midst of the action, whilst Captain Dimmock, on horseback, was directing, and by his coolness and courage, animating his little party, he was suddenly, and as if by concert, set upon from different directions by two Indians of huge stature. They fired simultaneously and wounded Captain Dimmock in the leg, at the same time bringing down his horse. Disengaging himself from his horse, with great activity, he gained his feet in time to bring down one of his antagonists, as, with fearful yells, they rushed to take his scalp, thinking their fire had killed him. On seeing his companion fall, the other Indian took to flight, but not in time to save himself. Captain Dimmock wheeled about, and, with great coolness, shot him dead with the other barrel of his fowling piece. In the meantime, the wounded Indian, though unable to rise, had seized a gun, but before he could use it, Capt. Dimmock despatched him with his sword.