The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-11-13

river, capturing several hundred prisoners at
the ford
(Signcd) Gro. G. MEADE,
Major General Commanding.
SECOND DISPATCH.
HEADQUARTERS Army PoToMAc, Nov. 7th,
l0P. M.-Gen. Sedgwick reports capturing
this afternoon in his operations A coloncls' 3
lieut.. colonies, many other officers, and over
800 men, together with four battle flags
Gen. French captured over 400 prisoners,
officers aud men.
(Signcd) GEo. G. MEADE,
Major Gen. Commanding.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8.
ltappcars from information received here
tonight that yesterday morning tho 9th and
9th -urmy corps, under command OF Mai.
Gen. Sedgwick, advanced to Rappahannoek
Station, they having tho right wing OF the
army. The LIST, I'd and Sd army corps, form
ing tho left wing, under Maj. Con. French,
proceeded to Kelley's Ford.
When Gen. French reached Kelley Ford,
about six miles below Rappahannock Sta
ton, tho enemy threw across an entire divi-
sion to support their picket liue on this side.
Gen French hastily took position so as to
bring his artillery to bear on them, and pro.
ceeded to shell them with marked effect, not
only killing large number, but throwing
them into utter confusion, scattering them
wildly and taking many prisoners. Gen.
French following up his advantage, lmmedi:
ately threw the first division OF the third
corps, commanded by Gen. Birney, across
across the river. which ended his operations
for tho day. This morning he crossed the
river with the remainder Of his command.
Gen. Scdgcwick had previously crossed 1t,
and ut nine o'clock this morning the two wings
had formed junction and held both banks Of
the river.
The enemy after their defeat In these two en-
gagemcnts, were so hotly pursued by our victo-
rious forces that they threw themselves into
the river to escape, where some were drowned
and many killed by our infantry. AL the ar
tillcry the rebels had on this side was captured,
reported to be seven guns. Their whole camp
cduipage undoubtedly fell into our hands, as
they were compelled to leave II In their hasty
flight Gen. BufUrd's cavalry crossed at Sui.
phur Springs to cover the right flank. several
miles above Rappahannock Station, and Gems.
Gregg and fitzpatrick crossed below Kelley's
Ford to cover the left flank. No definite iufor-
nation of their operations had been received
up to noon to-day. The enemy after crossing
the Rappahannock under the cover of the night
moved in the direction Of Culpepper, and the
advance of our forces, supposed to be the cav
airy, reached Brandy Station early to-day
This morning our whole line advanced, and
Gen. Meade no doubt pressed rapidly forward
after the rctreating foe. The entire number of
prisoners taken by both Sedgewick and French
is now believed 10 be 1926. Orders were sent
to Col. Dcvcrcaux at Alexandria to provide for
that number. The prisoners are composed
principally of North Carolina and Louisiana
troops. This afternoon the o'clock train COM
menced bringing the prisoners into Alexandria.
The number taken by Sedgewick was from 1900
to 400. The remainder were taken by French.
A gentleman who was present with the army
says 1t was novel sight to see all Of Sedgc-
wick's prisoners in crowd. II was the lars-
est lot ever captured by our force on the Vir.
GINA side, and they were guarded by cavalry
to prevent struggling or escape. Frcnch's pr.
soners were also gathered in ono body and sim
ilarly guarded. Our total loss is reported to
be 400 in killed and wounded, but no prisoners.
Our wounded were carried to Warrcnton juno
ton and tcnderly cared for, and from thence
they were sent to Alexandria this afternoon.