The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1864-03-12

WASHIN0TON Mar. 4.-The ReDMb{tc11
Of this evening says, we are authorized to
announce that the Government has receiv-
ed dispatch from Gen. Butler announcing
that Fitzpatrick succeeded in cutting the
railroad and telegraph communications Of
Gen. Lee with Richmond by tearing up
the rails on the Virginia Central Railroad
at various poi1ts, and destroying the canal
and mills on the James river. He burned
much other property belonging to the re-
bells, irfiicting severe blow on the rebel
lion. He was met by the enemy outside
the ,defences at Richmond, but succeeded
in forcing him inside the outer works,
when spirited engagement ensued, when
darkness came on, and the conflict ended.
Fitzpatrick finding the enemy and the
works too strong to allow him to reach the
city, and accomplish the object Of the expe
Gen. Butler, with the loss Of about $50 men.
The Times special gives the following
additional statements as to the results, &C.,
Of Kilpatrick's raid:
Miles Of Railroad track on the two prin-
cipal roads, one on which Lee transports
supplies for the Northern army of Virginia
have been so thoroughly destroyed that
can be put in running order.
Depots of commissary, ordnance and
sQuartermaster stores were burned or de-
stroyed. No less than six grist mills, one
saw mill, principally at work for the rebel
army, were burned.
Six canal boats loaded with grain, with
several locks on the James River canal.
and the almost invaluable coal pits of Min.
ken's Bend were destroyed.
Nearly 500 prisoners were captured
Several hundred horses were pressed into
service. Hundreds of negroes awaited
themselves Of the opportunity to come
within our lines. Es
ell
after leaving Richmond is as follOws-kt
night the command went into camp miles
from Richmond and two miles from the
Chickahominy. At 11.30 Just as the COM
mand was fairly asleep except those on
duty, the rebels with battery opened on
the camp of Gen. Davis Brigade and im-
mediately after charged the camp Of the eth
Mass. The men though taken entirely by
surprise, seized their carbines and under
Col Litchfield, supported by tho lst Vet
Grams, Col. Preston, handsomely repulsed
the enemy. Several men were wounded.
and Col. Litchfield, who is missing. it is
feared Is also wounded. Gen. Fitzpatrick
decided to move across the White House
Railroad and down the Peninsula. Dur
York, with the bulk of Dahlgrens COM
mand, engaged the main column of the en-
envy Tuesday night and all day Wednes-
day. Dn Wednesday night skirmishino
was almost constantly going on in differ
ent directions =.
Wednesday morning about nine O'Clock
| large force OF cavalry came upon the rear
of the column. Col. Fitzpatrick was not
unprepared for this and decided to give
them battle. The LIST veterans under II.
Col. Preston, ably assisted by Capts. Grant
and Cummings, and the lat Maine. bore the
brunt Of the fight which lasted something
over an hour. While the 9th Michigan and
other regiments Of General Davis brigade
were IN positSon to render whatever assist
ance might De necessary. Only one charge
was made, and that was by COMPANY 4
lst Maine, led by Capt. Estes A. a. and
Capt. Cole when i've Of the enemy were
captured. The enemy suddenly retired.
but when the command moved forward
they passed the rear tanks several times,
ana battle was offered them which they de-
chned. &
On this day, Wednesday, several refu.
gees from Richmond came into camp, and
reported the presence OF Capt. Wilson, Of
the "a Ohio, who had escaped from the
Richmond bastile, near at hand. For some
reason he did not join the command.
On Wednesday also, Lieut.. Whitaker
was sent to destroy Trunstall station, on
the White House Railroad, but upon arri-
wing there, much to his establishment, he.
found the place in flames. From negroes
in the vicinity he ascertained that col
umn OF Union cavalry from Buffers De-
pArtment had just left there. This was the
first intimation Of assistance being SO near
at hand.
Thursday morning Fitzpatrick moved to-
ward New Kent Court House, and on the
way met Col. 6Dier in command Of a caval-
rv forca loOk inc after Kilpatrickts conn