The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-03-12

Correspondence OF the New YORK Tnbune.l
WASHINGTON, March 5.-The much
talked Of raid by Gen. Fitzpatrick has
ended with failure as to the main re
suit intended to be accomplished, but
with success IN cutting the railroads be
| tween Lees army and Richmond, the
destruction of much property, stores,
&c, and the actual shelling of Rich
mond
DETAILS OF THE START.
Starting on Sunday, at 3 A NJ, from
camp with FIVE thousand cavalry, pick
ed from his own and Generals Merritt 5
and Greggs divisions, he proceeded to
the Rapidan Crossing, at Ely's Ford
From thence the column marched to
Spottsylvania Court House, which place
he reached without encountering any
of the enemy.
From Spottsylvania Court House to
the end of his daring journey he was
more or less harassed by the rebels, and
frequently found that his lines had
fallen in very unpleasant places At
the place last named his command was
divided into different parties, who were
to scour the country, as they proceeded
toward q common centre, Richmond
Every road was 70 be carefully scout
ed, that no concealed foes, even IN
small numbers, should be left behind,
so as to concentrate and worry him
The expedition was warlike tour,
wherein all the fun, chickens, turkeys,
geese, hogs, corn, oats, hay, horses,
mules, negroes, greybacks, whether
made of flesh or paper, that could be
had, were obtained. They carried with
them but two or three feeds each for
their horses, and about as many days
rations for the men; the General being
determined that for once the celebrated
order, "subsist on the enemy's coun-
try" should be faithfully executed
NARROW ESCAPE eF GENERAL LEE
On Monday they reached the Virgin
ia Central Railroad and tore up the
track in four places, destroying what
ever property would render the road
useless. At Frederick's Hall, on the
Central Railroad, they came upon a
court martial peacefully holding It's ses-
sions, and captured colonel, FIVE cap
tains and two heutenants. General
Lee had passed over the railroad on his
way to his army, but about an hour be
fore our men reached it
RECEPTION BIZ TIE EHABITASTs
As they passed through the country
in the most good natured way, question
ing as to whether any Yanks had been
there lately, the inhabitants could not
believe that it was Lincolns cavalry
who were paying them visit The
negroes generally were delighted, and
many, in the presence Of their owners,
asked to be allowed to 60 along. A
large number were thus gathered to-
gether, who cheerfully trudged along
with the cavalry, delighted at gaining
their freedom.
Occasionally Union families were en-
countered, who gave valuable informa-
ton, and freely offered what they had
70 eat and drink.
TIE FORCES DIVIDED.
Leaving Frederick's Hall on Monday,
they pushed on to Richmond, detaoh-
ment of FIVE hundred, under Colonel
Dahlpen, keeping well to the right in
the direction of Louisa Court House,
while Gen Fitzpatrick, with tia main
body, moved upoa Ashland, both par
ties securing the country thoroughly
and doing All possible damage.
As the forces neardd Richmond the two
main parties began concentrating Col
Dahlgren was TO move down to the
right of Richmond, destroying as much
OF the James River Canal as possible
thov, e I~.v,c kl,o u;,-r~ r~,oI ruou e.. .rozo
opposite and enter the city from the
south side, and attempt the deliVerance
OF the prisoners on Belle Island Gen.
Fitzpatrick, with the main body, was to
attack the city by the Brooke turnpike
simultaneously, If possible, with the
other movement
TzEACHERY or A NEGRO GUIDE
Il was hoped TO reach the city on
Monday night or early on the following
morning, when 3 partial if not total
surprise could be effected Two OF
those fatalities which more than once
during this war have snatched success
from the very grasp of those who, by
their valor and daring, have richly de
served the victors crown, interposed 20
prevent the contamination Of one OF
the best conceived and most brilliant
plans Of the whole war
Colonel Dahlgren had taken q negro
70 pilot him to Richmond The detach-
ment had rapidly moved across the
country, destroying barns, forage, and
everything which could possibly be of
service 10 the enemy. Pushing on 50 as
to reach Richmond as soon as possible,
Colonel Dahlgren discovered that his
negro guide had betrayed him and led
him toward Goochland instead Of 10
Richmond, and on Tuesday morning
he found himself miles in just the op-
posite direction from that which he
wished 70 take
The negro was promptly hung for his
bassnesE Exasperated BY this treach- I
cry, the men burned the barn and out 1
buildings Of John A Seldom, Rebel .
Of War, and IL Is perhaps 1
fortunate that the gsntlonAn himself
was not present