The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1863-11-18
Fighting ON the Rappahan-
mock.

HOCkAs
WASHINGTON, Nov. st appears
from information received here to-day that
yesterday morning the 9th and 9th army
corps, under command of Major General
Sedgwick, advanced to Rappahanuock
Station, they having the right wing of the
army. The 1st, I'd and Sd army corps,
having the left wing, under Major General
French, proceeded to Kelley's Ford.
When the right wing reached the Kappa
hammock the enemy was found to be in
considerable force, holding this side of
the river The rebel batteries, earthworks
and redoubts crowned the banks on each
side of the Rappahannock. General
Sedgwick at once advanced and stormed
them with great gallantry and impetuosity.
causing much slaughter and taking large
number of prisoners.
When Gen. French reached Kelly's !
Ford, about six miles below Rappahan-
mock Station, the enemy threw across an
entire division to support their picket line
on this side. Gen. French hastily took
position so as to bring his artillery to
bear upon them and shelled them with
marked effect, not only killing a large
number, but throwing them into utter
confusion, scattering them wildly and
taking many prisoners. Gen. French,
following up his advantage, the enemy
threw the first division of the Sd corps,
commanded by Gen. Birney, across the
river, which ended his operations for the
day. This morning he crossed the river
with the remainder of his command.
Gen. Sedgwick had previously crossed
it, and at nine o'clock this morning thd
two wings had formed a junction and hele
both banks of the river. The enemy at
ter their defeat in these two engagements,
were so hotly pursued by our victorious
forces that they threw themselves into the
river in their efforts to escape, where some
were drowned and many were KILLED by
our Infantry.
All the artillery the rebels had on this
side was captured 1t is reported to be
some seven guns Their whole camp
equipage undoubtedly fell into our hands,
: as they were compelled to leaye it in their
hastily retreat.
General 8uford's cavalry crossed at
Sulphur Springs to cover the right flank
several miles above Kappahannock station,
and Generals Gregg and Fitzpatrick crossed
below Kelly's ford to cover the left flank
, No definite information Of their operations
had been received up to noon to-day
The enemy, after crossing the Kappa
hammock under cover of the night, mosed
in the direction of Culpepper, and the ad
vance:of our forces, supposed to be cavalry,
, reached Brandy station to-day.
This morning our whole line advanced
and no doubt pressed rapidly forward after
the retreating foe.
Fhe entire number of prisoners taken
by both Sedgwick and French is now be
licved to be 1862. The prisoners are
composed principally of North Carolina
: and Louisiana troops.
This afternoon the clock train com
menced bringing prisoners into Alexanirla
the number taken by Sedwick was IRON
twelve to fourteen hundred. The remain
der,w taken by French
4 A gentleman who was present with the
!; army says it was novel sight to see al
i Sedgwick prisoners in ewd, the larges
I lot ever captured by our forces Oh the Vir
ginia side, and they were guarded BY cav
airy to prevent struggling or escape
J Frenchs prisoners were also gathered il
one body Our total loss is reported t.
: be four hundred in killed and wounded
Z but no prisoners. Our wounded wer
!; carried to Warrenton junction.
4 4 thence they were sent to Alexandria thi
after noon.