Daily national Republican., 1863-11-09
Lees Forces Surprised d at
Rappahannock Sta
ton and Kelly's ....rg,
,.p Ford, Va.
Capture of Eighteen Hundred
Prisoners, Seven Cannon,
and Four Battle Flags.
The Rebels Driven Across the
Rappahannock.


the Rappahannock, near the railroad crossing, |
were defeated with heavy loss in prisoners
and artillery.
Early's division of Ewell's corps was guard
ing the line at Rappahannoek Station, being
posted in strong fortia cations. On each side
of the Orange and Alexandra Railroad at Rap
pahannock Station was n formidable fort,
hanked by redoubts and rife pits, extending
along the banks of the river in such manner
as to guard eflectually the crossings In that
nsighborhood; while numerous batteries were
planted on the southern bank of the stream, In
commanding positions.
The plain in front and all the fords were
commanded by the cneny's uns.
The famous Washington battery" from
New Orleans, held the fort, supported by the
Louisiana brigade, under Gen. Hcyle, composed
of the 5th, 9th, 7th, and 9th Lc uisiana regi-
ments. \ North Carolina brig aae came to
their assistance at the crossing, ~ soon as the
attack began, about o'clock in The afternoon.
On Saturday morning the Fifth and Sixth
corps, undc command Of Maj. Gen. sedgwick,
advanced to Rappahannock Station, they form.
ing the right wing Of the army. The First,
Second, and Third corps, forming the left wing,
under Maj. Gen. French, (including General
Kenly's division of Maryland troops proceed
cd to Kelly's Ford.
When the right wing reached the Rappahan-
mock, the enemy were found to be in consider
able force, and holding this side of the river.
The rebel batteries, earthworks and redoubts
covered the banks on each side Of the Kappa
hammock.
Gen. sedgwick at once advanced and stormed
them, and this was done with great gallantry
and impetuvsity, causing much slaughter, and
taking large numbers Of prisoners.
When Gen. frcnch's force reached kelly's
Ford, about six miles below Rappahannock
station, the enemy threw an entire division
across in support Of their picket liuc on this
side. Gen. Frruch hastily took position so
as to bring his artillery to bear upon them, and
| then proceeded to shell them, with marked
effect, not only killing large number, but
throwing them into utter confusion, scattering
them wildly, and taking many prisoners.
General French, ing up this advantage,
Immediately threw the First division Of the
Third corpe, commanded by General Birney,
across the river, which ended his operations
| for the day.
Sunday morning he crossed III. kappahan-
mock with the remainder Of his command.
General Sedgwick had previously crossed, and
at . O'Clock the two wings formed u junction
and held both banks of the river.
The enemy, after their defeat iu these two
separate engagements, were 30 hotly pursued
by our victorious forces that they threw them
selves into the river in their efforts to escape,
where some were drowned and many killed by
our infantry.
All the artillery the rebels had on this side OF
the river was captured, reported TO he seven
guns, and there is no doubt that their entire
camp equipage fell into our hands, as they
were compelled 10 leave 1t in their hasty retreat
Duford's cavalry crossed the river at Sulphur
Springs, to cover the right flank, several mile,
above Rappahapnock Station, and Gems. Gregg
and Fitzpatrick crossed below Kelly's Ford to
cover the left flank.
No definite information had been received OF
their operations up 10 noon yesterday. The
enemy, after crossing the Rappahannock, un-
der cover of the night, moved in the direction
of Cupeper, and the advance of our forces, sup
posed to be cavalry, was reported to be at
Brandy Station carly to-day.
Yesterday morning our whole line again ad,
vanccd, and Gen. Meade, NO doubt, pressed
rapidly forward after the retreating Toe.
The entire number Of prisoners taken by
Gems. sedgwick and French is now believed
" bc l,s26, as orders were sent 10 Col. Deve-
reaux, at Alexandria, to provide accommoda-
tion for that number. The prisoners are COM
posed principally Of North Carolina and Lou.
lsiaua troops.
J This afternoons three O'Clock train COM
menced bringing the prisoners to Alexandria.
The nun Der taken by Gen. Sedg wick was from
twelve to fourteen hundred; the remainder were
5 taken by Gen. French.
: A gentleman who was present with the army
says it was novel sight to BEE all Sedgwick's
prisoners In a crowd, the largest lot ever cap
I tured by our forces on the Virginia side. They
t were guarded by cavalry, to prevent struggling
or escape.
? General frenchs prisoners were also gath
cred In one body and similarly guarded. ON
total loss is represented 10 be four hundred IL
= killed and wounded, but no prisoners. Ou
Q wounded were carried To Warronton Junction
and tenderly cared for, and thence sent +,
: Alexandria yesterday afternoon