The Portland daily press., 1863-04-21
BY TELEGRAPH.
ToTHE
Portland Daily Press.
Expedition under Gen. Stoneman-Federa
Troops now hold Kely's Ford and
Rappahannook Bridge.
NEW YORK. Anril 20

NEW YORK, April 20.
The correspondent of the Philadelphia In
quirer, under date from Freemans Ford, be-
yond Bealeton, Va, 10th, gives the following
particulars of the advance of Gen. Stoneman
from the line of the Rappahannock On Mon
day forenoon early, an expedition under the
command of Gen. Stoneman, consisting OF
cavalry, infantry and artillery, left our old en-
campment opposite Fredericksburg. One
portion of the cavalry alone proceeded to
Bristerburg, and there encamped for the night.
Another, likewise cavalry, bivouacked the
same night at Elk Run. Another portion of
cavalry with artillery encamped at Norris
vile, and fourth, accompanied by brigade
OF infantry and two batteries, remained for the
night at Grove Church, Gen. Stoneham's head
quarters being at Spotted Tavern, thereby
making complete circle, and guarding and
covering every road and by path to our rear.
Before daylight next morning, that portion
encamped at Bristerburg sent out two squad
rons of the Sth Illinois and 9th N Y, under
Capt. Farnsworth, with instructions to pro-
coed to Warrenton, thence to Sulpher Springs,
and there await orders. The remainder of
this force were ordered TO proceed to Liberty.
The squadron sent towards Warrenton and
Sulpher Springs came upon several detached
bodies OF that celebrated partizan cavalry who
rendezvoused in this locality. TO each of which
they gave chase, and succeeded in capturing
some and wounding others. Upon reaching
the Springs they forded the river and contin-
ned down opposite the bank as far as Free
mans Landing, when owing TO the roads be-
coming impossible, they were obliged to return
to the point at which they crossed. The d.
vision which remained at Elk Run left there
before daylight the same morning, and pro-
ceeded to Bealeton, and upon arrival there
they observed scattered about upon the hills
and in the woods, in parties of two, three and
up to dozen, some of the same partizan cav
airy before spoken of, to whom they gave
chase, but were unsuccessful in their capture.
This division is now lying in the woods near
this point. The division remaining during the
night near Norrsville moved down to Kelly's
Ford. Here was discovered the first organi-
zed body of the enemy, and preparations were
at once made to dislodge them. After throw
ing shell or two the rebels deemed it pru-
dent to retire, which they did at a rapid rate,
thus leaving the Ford in our possession. A
portion of this force was then sent on up the
river to the Rappahannock bridge, with in
structions to hold it and prevent it being de-
stroyed. All was agreeable TO instructions.
They now hold one side of Kellys Ford, and
are strong enough in position at the bridge tie
hold il and prevent its destruction. The re-
naming division, on leaving the encampment
at Grove Church, travelled on to the junction
Of Eastham's and Hedgmans Creek, and thence
to Liberty, where they now are. These two
divisions met with trifing opposition, and have
sent in some ten or twelve prisoners. The
rebels appear in considerable force, but we
doubt much if they will be able to greatly re-
tard us should our leader determine here to
cross.