Editor’s Note: This article was found by Brett Schulte at the free newspaper site Historical Newspapers of the Rochester, New York Region and transcribed by Jackie Martin.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16.—The mail boat Keyport reports a movement of the second Corps up the James River on Saturday night, resulting in the routing of a large rebel force at Dutch Gap and the capture of over five hundred prisoners, besides 7 pieces of artillery.
The position occupied by the enemy is said to be a strong one, and is now occupied by our troops, who are able to hold it.
The Keyport took down from Bermuda Hundred to Fortress Monroe over one hundred prisoners in the fight, about forty of whom claim to be deserters.
There was but little hard fighting done, Gen. Hancock accomplishing his end by skillful manoeuvering and a surprise, and consequently small loss, it being estimated at less than one hundred.
Previous to the movement up the river, troops were placed upon transports and moved down ostentatiously to below Harrison’s landing, thus completely deceiving the rebels, who at once supposed the seige (sic) of Petersburg and Richmond were being raised.
Under cover of the night troops were hurried up the river again, and the assault was a complete surprise of the enemy.—Our troops have now gained an important position within two miles of Fort Darling.
THE LATEST.
Additional particulars have been received of the action of Sunday. Part of the 2d corps and part of the 10th corps were engaged with the enemy in the afternoon near Deep Bottom.
The 10th corps under Gen. Birney, took part of the line of the enemy’s works, four of the eight brass guns, and a number of prisoners, with a small loss. The enemy fell back to a strong position.
The first brigade, under Col. Mason, took the lead and charged over a hill and down into a ravine, where they came to a stream with a swamp on the other side, the ground being covered with impenetrable brush on the margin of it.
During this time they were exposed to a heavy fire from the rebel artillery which did a good deal of damage. It was found impossible to cross the ravine, and our men were halted and lay concealed as well as possible until dark, when they were withdrawn.
The 2d division lost 300 men in the engagement. The 1st and 3d divisions, which were in support, lost about 250 men from the effects of the rebel artillery. The wounded were all brought off, and are nearly all being cared for at City Point. Lieut. Col. Warren (sic: Lieutenant Colonel Clement E. Warner) , of the 36th Wis., lost his left arm while gallantly leading his regiment in the charge. Maj. W. H. Hamilton, of the 36th Wis., was severely wounded in the face. Capt. Lindly, of the same regiment, was killed.
Our troops still hold their position in front of the rebel works, which are very strong and well defended owing to the nature of the country in the vicinity.
NEW YORK, Aug. 17.—Advices from Deep Bottom up to yesterday morning announce that Gen. Grant’s lines have been advanced within seven miles of Richmond. There was considerable fighting during the day, in which the rebels were invariably driven back.
The Commercial’s special states that a division of the 5th corps landed at Deep Bottom this morning.1
Source:
- No Title. Brockport (NY) Republic. August 18, 1864, p. 2 col. 3-4 ↩