New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-05-11
a MARCH OF OVER 1000 MILES
DAMAGES DONE TO REBEL COMMUNICATIONS.
The Nest Remarkable Exploit Of tho Age.

WARRINGTON May TO- 1861
The following account of Gen. Stonemsn's expe-
dton comes from one who accompanied it.
Gen. Stoneman, with 1900 picked men and
Eight battery of six pieces composed Of section
selected from three batteries with especial reference
70 procuring the best horses and men, started on the
raid which has now become famous.
On the 18th Of April, owing to heavy rsins and
various other circumstances, be did not cross the
ksppahaunock until ten days fortnight after
ward. At the time Of his crossing, Gen. AvcFill
started with column along the end Of the Orange
and Aexsndis Railroad with the intention Of dsiv-
Ing Lee and Hampton, who were in that vicinity, TO
Culpepper and GorionSville, thus clearing the way
for Gen. StOneman's body OF cavalry, who were to
accomplish the real objects ofthe expedition.
Geu. Stoneman crossed the Rappshsnnock at two
places below where Gen. Aveill crossed and ad-
vsnced on the Shepherdsburg roam. Sending ont
party TO reconnoiter toward Shepaerdsburg, they
came upon The rear piekets Of tbs enemy, who were
in force between Stevensburg and the railroad, with
Gen. Averill in front, the nature Of Gen. Sonemans
expedition did not allow Of bis remaining there TO
fight, as 10 teek battle would prevent the accom-
pishGens of his designs; be therefore moved on to
Raeeoon Ford upon the advance, Reaching this
place they found il defended by inisntry and sril.
iery. detachment was therefore cent to cross
the Rsppabsunoek at a point some distance
below Raccoon Ford, and then to attack the enemy
Ia the flank and rear This was successfully accom-.
plished, and tae main body crossed safely at Rae
econ Ford The command then proceeded dow the
direct road to Louisa Court-House, sending on,
parties along every inenecting road to destroy
bridges and telegraph wires, and TO obtain forage
and provisions.
The bridges over unfordable streams, on the direct
read, were left to be guarded by attachments in
ease they Were required line Of retreat Reach
irg Louisa Court-House the line Of the Virginia
Central Railroad, expeditions were sent out along
the road 10 either directions TO destroy the road tel
sgrspbs burn the water tanks depots, and railroad
ires. The expedition toward Gordonsville encoun-
tered forcs Of the enemy, who, by this time, had
been driven from Culpeppsr and Gordonsvile by
AveriD who did no', however, effect Junction
with Stoneman as directed. The enemy Were in
such force that Ie-eniOrcements were cent out and
the Rebels were driven back 10 Gordonsvills.
The destruction Of the road was completed and q
party proceeded to tear up the railroad between
Gordonsville and Charlottesville. Parties also
ssns out from louisa Court-House to destroy the
bridges over tue North Anna River. The command
then proceeded through Sauceyville, and render
vOused st TbompsOn's Crossroads.
Prom there three expeditions sent ont--one
along the South Anna River, 90 destroy the bridges
across this unfordable stream; another 10 destroy
the Fredericksburg and Richmond Railroad from /
Ashland down; also the railroad from Richmond to
Hanover Court House, 10 get as near Richmond as
poss ole, and, ii practicable, 70 cross over TO Pa
munky River, destroying such bridges as it was
practicable 10 destroy, and then 70 proceed /
down tho Peninsula to West Point; the third
expedition was TO strike the James River at Colun.
bia break the locks Of the canal, and destroy the
bridges as far down the river as might be. This
expedition was TO cross small force over TIE
james, at C1,rtelville, and pass down and destroy
the railroad bridge on the Richmond and Lynchburg
Road, over the Appstuattox River.
This expedition was not 30 succeSfua as the others.
Too much time being expended in an attempt to de-
stroy O stone bridge over which the acq1educts
passed. The other expeditions were perfectly sue
eessfu tearing up tie track for Thirty miles, de-
stroying bridges on the Mattapony and PamunEy
rivers and have since reached West Point.
Gathering the balance Of his force together at
Tomsons Cross Roads Gen Stoneman prepared to
return. BY his lime Stuart, Lee, and Hampton
were in pursuit of the audocicus party. The forces
of ire latter two were driven in the direction Of
Charlottesville, ard Stust was drawn off il the di-
rection Of Guney's Station by an apparent diversion
Of our forces in that direction.
Having thus separated S.uarts command, Gen.
Stoneman star ed Oh lis return between the TWO
bodies along the same route he went out lls scout
tng parties encountered the epemys infantry pickets
OIL the road 10 sp3tsylvana Cour-House' but The
command succeeded in safely reerossing the Rapidau
and Rappalannocl Rivers, swimming the later
The feat OF getting tie artillery across the latter
stream, the borses swimming and drawing the guns,
is certainly worthy Of notice. Only one man "as
lost by drowning.
Ths success Of the whole expedition is mainly due
to The deception praeticed upon he inhabitants.
Tie force was everywhere msgnifed, and, by
scattering in small parties, tie delnsion was COM
pleted by dividing the command into different ex-
pedi.ions They were enabled TO supply themselves
with forage and provisions, and thus live upon ibe
country through which they passed Their pack
mules were sent back the irst day out, aud officers
and men only carried wha, they could upon their
horses.
For two days and three nights they never built
fire. In many places they camped as though intend
ing to remain, giving out that they merely the
advance guard Of the main army.
With telegraphic communication destroyed, and
railroads interrupted this was only too readily be-
Heged, the inhabitants were parOled and sent To
Richmond The officers captured were detained rs
prisoners; among these was Major johnston Of Gen.
6iuarts stan.
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