Newbern Weekly Progress

UNSUCCESSFUL PURSUIT OF THE ENEMY.

A part of General Heintzelman's command celebrated Christmas day by going in search of the enemy. Late last night information was received that the rebels were about to collect a quantity of forage at Munson's Neck—that a rebel flag was flying from Pohick church, and if Union troops would show themselves on Pohick Hill, the enemy would probably be there to give them battle. Accordingly early this morning, four regiments of infantry, with Capt. Reynolds' battery and two squadrons of the First New Jersey cavalry, the whole in command of General Jamison, proceeded along the telegraph road to Pohick church, 12 miles from Alexandria.

When our troops reached the hill they were drawn up in lines of battle. A squad of rebel cavalry was seen on a hill a mile or more to the right. The battery was immediately placed in position, and one shot fired at them. They scampered off in a moment. Our forces waited a couple of hours, but nothing more was seen of the rebels during the day. No rebel flag was found floating from Pohick church, and General Jamison, finding that the enemy was not disposed to accept the opportunity for a skirmish, returned with his command late in the evening.

After his return the band of Colonel Hayes' regiment visited his headquarters, just before tattoo, and serenaded him.

The troops were delighted at the manner in which they spent Christmas Day, but were somewhat disappointed that they did not have a brush with the enemy.