GENERAL GRANT’S ARMY.

Wilson’s Cavalry Destroying the Track of the Weldon Railroad—The Second and Sixth Corps Moved Toward the Railroad—Lee Attempts to Turn our Right Flank—The Second Corps Meets Hill’s Corps—An Engagement Ensues—The Twelfth New York Artillery Loses Four Guns—Heavy Firing in Front of the Ninth Corps—Return of the Third Excelsior Regiment.

HEAD-QUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 23 [1864], 6 A. M.—Wilson’s Division of Cavalry [3/Cav/AotP] have moved off in the direction of the Weldon Railroad.  When last heard from they had reached Ream’s Station, and were tearing up the track.¹

The Second [II/AotP] and Sixth Corps [VI/AotP] moved from their old position on the right toward the Weldon Railroad.

LEE seems to have anticipated a movement by our alert, and determined to turn our right flank.

When near the Jerusalem Plank Road [on June 22, 1864], the Second Corps was confronted by HILL’S Corps [Third/ANV], and a smart engagement ensued.²

A battery of the Twelfth New York Artillery [sic, the 12th Independent Battery New York Artillery] was annoying the Rebels, who succeeded in getting round in the flank, and charged it.

The infantry support being surprised, retired, leaving four guns in the hands of the enemy; but our line of battle was soon reformed.

The men had become accustomed to LEE’S new practice of acting entirely on the defensive, and must have been confused by his bold assault.

Two divisions of the Fifth Corps were within easy supporting distance on the right, and the Sixth Corps was ready for any hostilities on the left.

Several charges were made by the Rebels, who suffered severely.

There was heavy firing in front of the Ninth Corps about midnight.  At times the musketry broke out into regular volleys.  The firing lasted all night.³

HEAD-QUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 24 [1864].—Major [HORACE] HOLT, of the First Massachusetts [Heavy Artillery], is slightly wounded.

It is reported that the Seventeenth [sic, Twelfth] New York battery has lost four guns by being surprised.⁴

Skirmishing was continued all last night on our left, but with what result it is not yet known.⁵

The Third Excelsior Regiment [aka 72nd New York Infantry], Lieutenant-Colonel [JOHN] LEONARD Commanding⁶, will leave here, to-morrow, for home, their term of service having expired.  This regiment participated in all the battles of the Peninsula, under General MCCLELLAN, and with the exception of Antietam, all those in which the Army of the Potomac have been engaged.

FORTRESS MONROE, June 23, 5 P. M.—The mail steamer, CHARLES [sic, CHARLOTTE] VANDERBILT⁷, from Bermuda Hundred, reports no fighting up to ten o’clock this morning.

There is nothing later from the White House, and no particulars from General SHERIDAN since his arrival there.⁸

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TELEGRAPHIC REPORTS OF THE PRESS ASSOCIATION.

From the Army of Northern Virginia.

ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA via RICHMOND, June 16 [sic, 15] [1864]—Grant’s whereabouts and intentions are still undetermined. A body of his cavalry attacked Gary’s Cavalry, of our army, this morning [June 15, 1864], near Malvern Hill, and were driven back. McIntosh’s brigade of Yankee cavalry has also been skirmishing with a part of Heth’s division on the Charles City road, about two miles below Riddle’s Shop, to day [June 15, 1864].¹

A few prisoners were captured, who say that it is an advance of Grant’s army. It is not however believed to be more than a reconnoitering party.

Grant is either going to the South side or is broken down and has gone below to reorganize and recruit.

—————————–

Despatch from Gen. Lee.

RICHMOND, June 16 [1864].—The following dispatch has been received here:

HEADQUARTERS, June 15th—6 P. M.—Secreatary of War: After the withdrawal of our cavalry yesterday evening [June 14, 1864] from the front of the enemy’s works at Harrison’s Landing, his cavalry again advanced on the Salem Church Road, and this morning [June 15, 1864] he is reported to be in some force on that road and at Malvern Hill. Gen. Wm. F. Lee easily drove back the force at the latter point, which retreated down the river road beyond Carter’s Mill. A Brigade of infantry was sent to support the cavalry on the road to Smith’s store and drove the enemy to that point without difficulty.—Nothing else of importance has occurred to-day.

(Signed)                          R. E. LEE, Gen.

—————————–

[SOPO EDITOR’S NOTE: A portion of this article not pertaining to the Siege of Petersburg has been omitted.]

Richmond Items.

RICHMOND, June 16 [1864]—Nothing authentic from Petersburg to day.

The Yankees have advanced their lines in Chesterfield. Some fighting took place near Chester to day [June 16, 1864].

By the last advices Sheridan was moving through Spottsylvania, and is reported to be crossing the Rapidan.

Gen Lee has been placed in command of all the forces of Virginia and North Carolina.

[SOPO EDITOR’S NOTE: A portion of this article not pertaining to the Siege of Petersburg has been omitted.]²

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ARMY CORRESPONDENCE

The Repulse at Petersburg-The Negroes Defended-Officers Responsible for the Failure.

HEADQUARTERS COM. I, 21^st PENN’A. CAVALRY.
ARMY POTOMAC, August [4th?], 1864.

MR. EDITOR: The anxious friends at home, who so wistfully look for good news from our army, and who eagerly grasp the papers and scan their pages to learn of the weal or woe of the men who stand in front to oppose and conquer the foe, have been, as we soldiers believe, most seriously imposed upon by the statements given by some of the papers, of the battles in front of Petersburg, July 30^th, 1864.¹

We have also anxiously seized those papers, and eagerly read what was related, by those who knew but little from hearing, and nothing by observation or experience-I mean newspaper reporters. Our boys had a hearty laugh over the graphic description given of the great victory before Petersburg, on the above date, but were completely disgusted with the erroneous account which soon followed of a great loss, and the defeat of our army. Now we would inform the anxious public that all the reports we have seen in the papers relating to that affair were far from being correct, knowing what we speak to be so-for we were there during the action, and engaged in it.

1.We did not gain a great victory.

2.We did not suffer a great defeat.

3.The cowardice of the negro troops was not the cause of our repulse.

4.What we had gained.

We did not gain a great victory as we did not hold the position we took, and the taking of which cost us considerable in time and men; but we did gain a victory in that we did give the enemy to understand that there is a power in the Northern army which they never dreamed of, and that if we can neither go over or round their forts, we will go under them.² The fire opened upon the rebel works was the most fearful, rapid and destructive they ever experienced, and silenced their works in less than one hour; so that the men abandoned their guns and we could see the infantry driving them back to their pieces at the point of the bayonet. We saw the most effective of their guns in our front blown out of their works by our well-directed fire, and the fort almost demolished. We saw our shells drop into their works rapidly and could see them carrying away their dead and wounded all day Sunday [July 31, 1864] and Monday [August 1, 1864]. We saw their best and most powerful fort blown into the air and every soul in that fort destroyed; and although they drove our men out of it, they have not been able to place a single gun in position there since, and are yet engaged in excavating those buried by the blowing up of the fort. We have seen four white flags floating over their ruins requesting us not to fire on them until they searched for their dead, and not one shot has been fired from any of their guns in our front, since last Saturday [July 30, 1864]; and we soldiers feel confident that if things had been managed a little better by officers in immediate command, our army would be tonight in Petersburg.

Again, the negroes are not to blame for not holding the works taken. We know something about those negroes.³ They were kept digging in the trenches until the action commenced; the greater portion of them had never been in action before; some of them had to march one-half mile from the river on a double-quick and then charge without halting. The Col. that led them, commanded them after they got in the fort, to uncap their guns. It is reported that another Colonel ran about two miles back followed by the “smoked Yankees,” who went forward or back just as their leaders happened to lead the way. The colored troops are loud in disclaiming the conduct of their officers and we feel that they (the officers) are the persons to blame, all reports to the contrary notwithstanding.

If you could march, as I have done, over the field of battle and gaze upon the dead, you would lift up your hands in sorrow at the dreadful scene, and cry shame on those who will not render just praise due to them who there offered up their lives for their country. I cannot describe the awful sickening scene, of the dead, the dying and the wounded as they lay on that field, but suffice it to say, that they lay close to and upon the breastworks of the enemy, and not one white man did I see among them. The large number of negro dead should silence forever the mouths of those who kept themselves far back out of harm’s way, and who say that the cowardly conduct of “the niggers” was the cause of the disaster. The army is in good spirits, and although a little disappointed at the result of Saturday’s operations, but confident that what we failed to accomplish that day, will be fully completed at a time not far distant.

We feel sorry that property has been destroyed in Chambersburg Pa.⁴, but I know I express the declared[?] sentiments of this army when I say that when the people of as large a town as Chambersburg will allow, without making an effort to defend themselves, two hundred and fifty rebels to come and set fire to their dwellings, they are entitled to but little sympathy; and I know they have none from this army. Our soldiers down here feel that rebel raiders are the best recruiting officers we could send North. I will close in the words of a schoolmaster to a parent who complained to him of the conduct of his children at home: “Do you keep your children in order at home and depend upon it I will keep them in awe of me at school.” Do you at home in the North take care of the rebs when they come up there, and rest assured we will take care of them down here. [1st Lt.] M[artin]. P. D[oyle]⁵.⁶

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YANKEE PRISONERS to the number of thirteen were received at the Libby [Prison in Richmond] from Petersburg Monday [July 25, 1864].  Among them was one commissioned officer, Lieutenant-Colonel C[harles]. H. Hooper, Twenty-fourth Massachusetts regiment, captured by our forces at Deep Bottom, on Sunday [July 24, 1864], while placing pickets in our front.

Yesterday [July 26, 1864] Captain William P. Harford, five sergeants and corporals, and forty nine privates of the One Hundred and Sixty-second [New York] regiment, Canby’s Nineteenth army corps, late of Banks’ beaten army, were received at the Libby from Deep Bottom, where they were surprised and captured EN MASSE on Monday night [July 25, 1864], with almost the entire regiment.  The prisoners say Canby’s corps had just joined Grant and been just landed at Deep Bottom, when the regiment named was “gobbled” by our forces in that vicinity.¹  Twenty eight out of the forty-nine prisoners were foreigners.²

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WILSON’S CAVALRY DIVISION.

Junction with General Grant’s Army.

THE FIELD, NEAR MOUNT ZENA CHURCH, VA., June 30.—At dusk, on the afternoon of the 16th instant [June 16, 1864], the pickets of the Third Division of cavalry [3/Cav/AotP], operating with General GRANT, were drawn in, and we fell back to the James River.  The enemy did not follow us up, as had been anticipated, but allowed us to withdraw without making any effort to annoy us.

The head of the column commenced crossing the James at Wilcox’s Ferry, at three o’clock the following morning, and at daybreak the column was all over the river.  The division was marched to Little Brandon (a mile or so from the ferry), and received a supply of rations and forage, which both horses and men were greatly in need of, as their supplies were wholly exhausted.

At twelve o’clock A. M. on the 17th instant [June 17, 1864], we marched to Prince George Court House and bivouacked in that vicinity for the night.  Heavy cannonading was heard during the night in the direction of Petersburg.

Next morning (the eighteenth) [June 18, 1864] General WILSON was sent about three miles south of Prince George Court House, to Mount Zena Church, on the Blackwater Creek, to enjoy a brief season of rest, and to protect the left flank and rear of the army in front of Petersburg.  Our pickets extended from the left of the infantry line of battle to Blackwater Creek.¹

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THE LATE ASSAULT AND THE HEROIC MARTYRS WHO FELL.

The [Petersburg] Christian Sun, a most excellent religious paper published in this city by the Rev. Wm. B. Wellons, and from whose columns we have frequently been enabled to interest the readers of the Express, has in its issue of yesterday [June 16, 1864], an account of the late assault upon our breastworks¹, and interesting biographical sketches of the gallant dead, which we subjoin. It will be read with melancholy interest by our patrons:

The heroism and daring bravery displayed by our citizen soldiers in defence of their City, on Thursday, the 9th [of June, 1864], has received, as it well deserved, the praise and admiration of all. The names of those who fell will be a noted placed when this generation shall have passed away, and many a tale will be told to the young in years to come, how the Militia of Petersburg [Fletcher Archer’s 3rd Battalion Virginia Reserves] poured out their life’s warm blood in defence of their homes, their altars, their wives, their children, their mothers and sisters. We append the names and characters of these noble defenders, that their deeds of valor and heroic sacrifice may be preserved in the files of the religious as well as the secular press.

Rives’ Farm is in Prince George County, about one and a half miles from the corporation limits, on the Petersburg and Jerusalem Plank Road, and about one mile from Blandford Cemetery, where repose the ashes of the ancestors of many who fought so gallantly to drive back the barbarian invaders.

WILLIAM C. BANNISTER,

who fell shot through the head, and died instantly, was retiring from the breastworks, and had reached a valley a hundred yards or more in the rear, when he met his fate. He was about 55 years of age, belonged to one of the oldest and best families of the State, and was, perhaps, one of the best types of the old Virginia gentleman that the city afforded. He had been for many years one of the officers of the Exchange Bank and had been brought in contact with all the business men of the city and surrounding country. So affable was he in his manners, and so correct was he in his transactions, that he naturally won the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. He had an interesting family, was rather deaf, and at his age might have been excused from taking his place in the ranks, and we learn, was even entreated by some of his family not to do so; but his patriotism would not allow him to remain in the rear when the enemy threatened his home, and to the front he marched with the ardor of a youth, and nobly performed his part, until ordered to retire by the officers in command. He left his interesting family in the morning, walked to the breastworks, and was brought back in the afternoon cold in death. The deceased had long been a pattern of strict morality, and was a regular attendant on the services, if not a communicant in the Protestant Episcopal Church.

GEORGE B. JONES,

was a little above 40 years of age, a Druggist by profession, well educated, and said to be one of the best Chemists in the State. He gave close attention to his business, and was a model of correctness in his transactions with others. Gentle as a woman in his disposition, agreeable in his manners and warm in his friendship. He was devotedly attached to his family, being blessed with a wife and seven children, who occupied a retired and comfortable home beyond the noisy and bustling part of the city. But more than this, he was a devoted Christian—a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a pillar in the Washington Street congregation. Little did his dear and his friends suppose when he left home that morning, musket in hand and cartridge box to his side, reaching the breastworks just before the battle opened, that he would return lifeless. But such was the will of Providence. He was shot in the head, at the breastworks, and, it is presumed, died without speaking thereafter. His memory will long be precious.

JOHN H. FRIEND.

A native of the City, well known to all the people as a generous hearted, kind-spirited and enterprising citizen, late one of the Proprietors of Jarratt’s Hotel, fought gallantly in the first repulse of the enemy, leaping over the breastworks and capturing the horse of one of the retreating Vandals, and was killed when the force had been flanked, by a ball through the head. A wife, one son, and several family connections for whom he had acted a father’s part, are greatly bereaved in his death. He was about 40 years of age, and had been exempt from regular service on account of physical disability, but hesitated not, when his home was invaded, to take his place in the ranks and perform faithfully his part. The loss of this patriotic man is deeply deplored.

WAYLES HURT,

son of the late Branch T. Hurt, long a prominent merchant of the city, was a youth of some seventeen years of age. Manly in his deportment, dignified in his demeanor, there was much to hope for in the future in him. But alas! how soon earthly prospects fade. He had just commenced to read Law, and was acting as Lieutenant in a company of reserves. During the fight he was despatched by the General commanding to bring up reinforcements, and on his return found the enemy inside our breastworks, and he was shot from his horse, and fell by the roadside, dead. A widowed mother and sisters find consolation in his manly virtues, and his strictness in performing religious duties. Though he had never become a communicant in the church, or mad an open profession of religion, yet they mourn not as those without hope. The name of this gallant young man will be honored in years to come.

GODFREY STAUBLY,

a native of Switzerland, and Professor of Modern Languages in the Petersburg Female College, had not long been a resident of the city, but volunteered to defend his adopted home. No man fought with more bravery and determination; indeed, he distinguished himself for his daring courage, loading and firing with the activity and coolness of a trained veteran. He feel near the breastworks mortally wounded, and died after a few struggles. His age was about 35 or 40, and he leaves a family bereaved. Prof. Staubly was a regular attendant of the Presbyterian Church, but we believe was not  a full communicant.—The name of this adopted citizen and his heroic action in the battle of Thursday [June 9, 1864], will be recorded as an interesting part of its history.

HENRY A. BLANES.

No sterner, purer man and true patriot gave his life in defence of his home. He was in his 53d year, but went into camp at once when duty called. Being a man of few words and unpretending in his appearance, only those who knew him best, properly estimated his great worth. A native of Charles City county, he came to this city when a boy; at manhood became a merchant tailor, and attended strictly to his business, making a reputation for honesty and straightforward dealing, which any man might envy, and in advanced life it might well be expected that his death would create a vacuum in social and business circles not easily supplied. When the raiders charged our breastworks, he stood up boldly before them, and fired his piece again and again, seeming to be a stranger to fear. A minnie ball passed through his arm, and he was ordered to the rear. Feeling faint from the loss of blood and fatigue, he sat down to rest, and soon our forces were flanked, and he saw mounted men hurrying toward him. He started to walk off, and was shot through the body, and soon fell into a ditch, and was passed over by the marauders as dead. In this place he was found and brought to his home. His wounds were mortal—he was conscious of it—called his wife and children around, bade them farewell—exhorted them to meet him in Heaven—told them he had no fears as to the future—left a message for an absent son, now a prisoner in the hands of the enemy at Point Lookout, and then breathed his last in peace. The deceased had been for many years an exemplary member of the Washington Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and his loss will be deeply felt by his Church as well as his family.

GUY G. JOHNSON,

was more than 50 years of age, and had only a few days previous to the fight resigned the position of Adjutant to the Militia Regiment; but when he heard the enemy was advancing, hurried to join his old comrades in the struggle, and stood manfully at his post until a retreat was ordered, when he fell back, and had seemingly made good his escape, when he was discovered by a Yankee sharpshooter and fired upon, the ball entering his body, and mortally wounding him. He was brought home and died that night, fully conscious from the first that he could not survive—He was a native of a New England State, but had lived in Petersburg for nearly thirty years past. All his family connections were at the North, but he preferred to stay here and share the fate of those who had been his associates in manhood’s prime. And nobly did he do his part.—He had been for several years a communicant in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and died trusting in the merits of Christ’s blood for redemption.

WILLIAM H. HARDEE

was a native of North Carolina, but had been for many years a prominent merchant in this city, where he had made many warm and devoted friends. He was about 50 years of age. On the morning of the fight he seemed to be impressed with the thought that some important event was just before him, and bade his only daughter adieu with marked expressions of affection, and hurried to the conflict. A shell from the enemy’s gun tore away his right foot, and he was left on the field some hours before assistance could be obtained. He was brought home and his leg amputated, but he never rallied, and after suffering a day and night, passed into the valley and shadow of death. In the social and business circles of the city, he will be greatly missed; and the large concourse of persons who attended his funeral obsequies at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church told plainly how much he was loved.

JOHN CROWDER,

a gallant youth from Etricks, on the opposite side of the Appomattox [River], with no pecuniary interest to defend, and but few social ties to bind him to the city, fought as earnestly and with as much ardor as any at the breastworks. He fell at his post, a ball passing through his head.

WILLIAM CROWDER,

a brother to the before named, was shot some time during the fight, escaped in the retreat to the woods, and their [sic] died, not being discovered until two or three days after. The father of these boys, was also in the battle, and was carried off a prisoner. Their deeds of patriotism and valor will not soon be forgotten.

To these might be added the names of Geo. R. Conway and William Daniel, of Prince George, who fell in the fight, and also the name of E. C. Brown, of Albemarle, but we cannot protract this article.

The brave acts of the wounded and captured are praised and admired by all, but any farther notice of them must be deferred. May the Lord spare our city any additional sacrifices of precious blood.

In after years, the graves of the heroic defenders of Petersburg, will be sacred spots, and many a pilgrimage will be made to old Blandford Cemetery to look upon the places where the remains of patriots repose.²

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ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, NEAR PETERSBURG, VA.,

July 7^th, 1864.

DEAR EDITOR:— Perhaps a few lines from this part of the field of mars may not be unwelcome to your numerous readers. The citizens of your quiet town, no doubt, look anxiously for news from their numerous friends in the army. For more than two months this Army of the Potomac has been very busily engaged. Marching and fighting has been our daily occupation, since crossing the Rapidan. Perhaps never in the memory of man have so many events, fraught with so much interest, transpired in so brief a period of time. The sound of cannon, or the rattle of small arms has greeted our ears almost daily. While our infantry has been weaving garlands for their brows, the cavalry corps hasn’t been idle. The graves of their dead, mark their pathway from the Rapidan to within one and a half miles of that city around which so much interest is now concentrated. Having full confidence in their gallant leader, Sheridan, they consider themselves almost invincible and licensed to go where they will. They have become a terror to “Southern Railroads,” and [Confederate cavalry commanders Wade] Hampton and Fitz Lee have learned to their cost, that “Sheridan’s Raiders” know how to fight as well as raid. After participating in the battles of the Wilderness for several days after crossing the Rapidan, this Corps turned the right of Lee’s army, and after burning his supplies, tearing up his railroads, and cutting his communications, on the 13^th [sic, 11th] of May [1864], we found ourselves 1 ½ miles from Richmond, and inside the first line of communications around the city. The rebel cavalry disputed every step of our way, and when at Richmond they met our advance at Yellow Tavern, while their infantry pitched into our Division (Gregg’s) [2/Cav/AotP] in the rear, and while yet inside their fortifications, our gallant [Torbert’s] First Division [1/Cav/AotP] charged and routed them on the advance, while Gen. Gregg politely informed them that he had no objection to permitting the citizens of Richmond to hear the music of his cannon, and that he would take his own time in leaving their fortifications. The rebel General [J. E. B.] Stuart fell. For awhile the “Johnnies” were on all sides of us, right and left, front and rear, their iron hail, shot and shell, came whistling around our ears like rain. Many of our comrades were left behind, or found graves around the rebel city. From Richmond we wended our way to the Peninsula, and crossing the Chickahominy and Pamunkey, rejoined the army near Hanover. Remaining with the army some time, we were engaged in the several fights and skirmishes on the Peninsula, until the 8^th or 9^th of June [1864], when our First and Second Divisions started on a raid towards Gordonsville, enroute for, the Richmond papers said “no one knew where.” Near Louisa Court House, the whole rebel cavalry corps attacked us [at the Battle of Trevilian Station on June 11-12, 1864], whom we repulsed after a severe engagement. Tearing up the railroad for several miles, we returned to White House [on the Pamunkey River on June 20, 1864], where we found awaiting us a large wagon train, which we were to escort to the James, no easy task, in the then existing state of affairs. Their entire cavalry force were hovering around us like hungry vultures. By fighting and maneuvering, the train was brought in within a few miles of the James River, and Charles City Court House. On Friday, June 24^th [1864], the First Division taking the advance, the Second, Gen. Gregg’s, was to hold the only remaining road which led to Richmond. A few miles from the train we met the enemy apparently in heavy force. For some time neither party made any demonstration, when the rebels learning that only one Division opposed them, attacked us with their whole cavalry corps. Then followed one of the severest cavalry fights, said to have ever been experienced by any portion of this corps. Charge upon charge was given and received, though four times our number they were hurled back with terrible slaughter. For two hours the contest raged, until outnumbered, overpowered, and flanked right and left, our Division for the first time we believe, since its existence, was forced to retire, disputing with our force, every foot of ground we trod.¹ A few days sufficed to transport train and corps to the southern banks of the James river. Engaged in active operations a few days, we have gone into camp to rest our faithful, but weary horses. Though we expect to rest but a very few days, men and horses will again be ready for the saddle and the march when the Bugle calls. The weather has been very warm for some time and the dust in field and road is almost suffocating. From all appearances this army have not yet finished their summer’s campaign, but have yet deeds to perform, which will be celebrated in story and in song, long after the actors have passed from earth. Victory is now hovering around our starry banners, and we believe that under our gallant leader, Gen. Grant, complete and triumphant success will eventually reward all our efforts and toil. We hope that Pennsylvania and Maryland will not again be polluted by the rebel horde, as now threatened. Trusting to your kindness, for forgiveness for this intrusion, I am,

Very respectfully, your obd’t. servant,

[?] D. FEIGHTE.²

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THE WAR NEWS.

The most important news we have is the report of a complete victory by our forces in the Valley, near Winchester.

Information, believed to be authentick, was received here yesterday evening [July 26, 1864] that, last Sunday [July 24, 1864], our army fell upon the combined forces of Averill, Crook, Wright and others, numbering fifteen thousand men, at Kernstown, four miles south of Winchester, and routed them utterly; drove them through Winchester to Martinsburg, and at last accounts were still in pursuit.  We are said to have retaken all of our prisoners lost by Ramseur, and captured a large number of the enemy, with much of his material.  All accounts agree in representing the rout of the enemy as complete and disastrous.  His dead and wounded are said to strew the road from Winchester to Martinsburg.  General Halligan is among the Yankee killed.¹

This almost wiped out the recollection of Ramseur’s defeat, which, if the reports we receive are not most monstrously exaggerated, was a nasty affair.  It is said that, though advancing to meet the enemy, Ramseur led his division up the turnpike with empty guns; at the route step and in route order—that is, in that extreme degree of irregularity and confusion in which only Confederate troops know how to march.  While slouching along in this disorder and absence of preparation, a small body of our cavalry, who had been engaged with the enemy, ran through the division at a point about four miles north of Winchester, and, immediately afterwards, the enemy, who were in pursuit of the cavalry, fired into our troops, who, with scarcely a show of resistance, took to their heels and ran back to Winchester, leaving some two hundred and fifty prisoners in the enemy’s hands.  They were rallied in the works at Winchester, and the enemy did not attack.²

Ramseur’s affair occurred last Wednesday [July 20, 1864].  The next day there was a cavalry fight at Berry’s ferry, in the lower end of Clarke county, about twenty miles southeast of Winchester, in which we beat the enemy.  The enemy, having come through the Blue Ridge at Ashby’s gap, was met at Berry’s ferry, on the Shenandoah.  We held the west bank of the river, and repelled three successive attempts of the enemy to cross at a charge.  Our loss was alight, the enemy’s heavy.

THE LATEST—GENERAL JUBAL A. EARLY ACHIEVES A GREAT VICTORY IN THE VALLEY.

At a late hour last night the following despatch was received at the War Office:

“HEADQUARTERS, July 26, 1864.

“HON. J.A. SEDDON, SECRETARY OF WAR:

General Early states that he attacked Major-General Crook on the 24^th inst. [July 24, 1864], on the old battlefield of Kernstown, completely routing him, and pursued him five miles beyond Winchester, when he was compelled to halt, from the exhaustion of his men, they having marched twenty-five miles that day.  The pursuit was continued by the cavalry.  Among the prisoners captured was General Mulligan, mortally wounded, Brigadier General Lilly, and our officers and men captured on the 20^th [of July, 1864 at Rutherford’s Farm] were recovered.  The strength of the enemy is stated to have been fifteen thousand infantry, besides the cavalry under Averill.

“R. E. LEE, General.”

General Early, for the first time since he left Grant’s front at Cold Harbour last June, now appears before the world as the leader of the Confederate army that recently overran Maryland.—This great victory, we are pleased to know, renders further mystery as to who commands our forces unnecessary.  He has broken and routed the combined Yankee armies mustered for the defence of Washington, and that city again lies at his feet.

In his despatch to General Lee, General Early, we are informed, gives the particulars of this victory and graphically describes the rout of the enemy.  He says the roads are covered with the abandoned material of war of the enemy.

This Mulligan is the Irishman who was captured by Ben McCulloch when that General took Lexington, Missouri.  He hailed from Chicago, and was a very blood thirsty fellow.

FROM THE LINES IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG AND RICHMOND.

There appears to be nothing of interest going on at Petersburg.  The press telegram, to be found in another column, tells us nothing that we did not know, except that Grant’s RIGHT rests upon the Weldon road, and that we do not believe.  Grant’s right rests, if there is any rest for things so wicked, on the north bank of James river, at a place known as Deep Bottom, so called because at this point the river is very deep.

At this Deep Bottom on Monday night [July 25, 1864] some of our forces, perhaps militia, captured forty nine Yankees.  We have not heard the particulars of the affair, but they are of little consequence.³  It is sufficient for us to know that our troops at that point are on the alert, and that we have secured the Yankees.  They were received at the Libby at one o’clock P. M., yesterday [July 26, 1864].  They are part of the One Hundred and Sixty-second New York, of the Nineteenth corps, and had just arrived from New Orleans.  They were, at the time of their being made prisoners, on some detached service, under the command of Captain Luxford, who, with several other commissioned officers, was also captured.  The Nineteenth corps is Franklin’s, and has recently been operating in the Trans Mississippi.  We may here mention a report concerning General Franklin.  It is said he is in such disfavour with the powers at Washington that they were glad when we caught him, and that therefore we permitted him to escape, well knowing that his Government would never exchange him.  He is reported to be one of the few gentlemen still left in the Yankee army.  His being a gentleman is alone a sufficient ground for his being in disgrace with Lincoln and his minions.

FROM NORTH GEORGIA.

We have nothing from Georgia except the press despatch, to be found under the telegraphic head.

General Hood’s address to his victorious troops will be read with interest.⁴

SOPO Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Jackie Martin.

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ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

—–

From Petersburg-Casualties in the 110^th Regt. Penna. Vols.

CAMP NEAR PETERSBURG, Va.,
July 31^st, 1864.

Mr. Editor:—Having a few leisure moments I shall employ them in giving you a short account of our few last days proceedings.

On the 26^th [of July 1864] we received orders to move, and by five P.M., our corps (2^nd) [II/AotP] was in motion, moving rapidly in the direction of Point of Rocks, on the James River. We arrived there by daylight in the morning [of July 27, 1864], crossed to the north side and halted for a short time. Soon the 99^th Regt. P[ennsylvania]. V[olunteers]., and ours [110th Pennsylvania] were sent forward and deployed as skirmishers. Shots were exchanged on our extreme right and in a few minutes the firing became general along the entire line.

The enemy were strongly posted in the edge of large woods, with their line running parallel with a road where they had a battery of four 20 pound Parrott guns [1st Rockbridge VA Artillery] posted. On our left they had works thrown up, and just in our front the road was just sunken enough to afford them ample protection from our musketry.

Companies A, B, C, and D, were deployed to the right of the 99^th, and there it was that the loss was the heaviest.

I will furnish you a list of the casualties in Company C. Sergt. Ambrose K. Taylor, and George W. Maxwell, killed. Lieut. Chas. Copelin, Sergt. James C. Bell, John N. Davis, Daniel H. Bowman, John Lockman, Jacob Meminger, John Atwell, Geo. Bard, Jonathan Sutton, Samuel H. Smith, and Jos. Irwin, wounded. Companies A and B lost heavily. Company B lost three Sergeants killed. I am unable to furnish a list of all the casualties of this regiment.

On the night of the 28^th [of July 1864] we re-crossed the James, and marched back to the front of Petersburg, where we arrived by daylight and lay in the hot sun until evening, when the Third Division (ours) relieved a division in front. Our regiment was posted on Colonel Ohave’s plantation. The rebels shelled us almost all the time during our stay, but luckily no one was hurt belonging to the regiment. On the morning of  the 29^th [sic, 30th of July 1864], General Burnside’s Corps made a charge to our left. Some of the Fifth Corps (inc.-9^th Corps) had undermined one of the rebel forts and it was blown up as a signal for opening the ball. In a few minutes the artillery and mortars were engaged along our entire line.

Toward noon the firing somewhat ceased and by evening everything was as quiet as usual. After dark we were relieved from the front and moved to the rear into our former camp. We expect to be paid in a few days if nothing unforeseen should intervene. We have not had any rain for some time, and the weather is very warm.

SAMUEL B. SCHWARTZ, Co. C, 110^th Regt. P[ennsylvania]. V[olunteers].¹

SOPO Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Roy Gustrowsky.

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