The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-12-16

burgh. Rebel papers now admit that. a
small Union force, had been lodged he.
tween Drurys Bluff and Howlett's House
battery.
| HEADQUARTERS ARMY PoToMAo, Dec H..
The movements in this Department
which have been in course of execution
the past few Gays, have finally, been de-
velOped, and now the object intended to
be accomplished may be given to the pub
| lie as well as the results attained. .
1t was known that the enemy were pro-
curing large supplies for their troops by
way of the Weldon Railroad to Stoney
Greek, where they were waggoned to Pc
tersburgh. The cavalry force sent there
some ten days ago not being able to effec-
tually stop the rebel operations, the fifth
corps with Greggs cavalry and the Sd
division, End corps were detailed to effec-
tually put stop to it by destroying the
railroad as far south as Hicksford, and if
possible, that station also. At daylight
Wednesday, the column started thither on
the Jerusalem road, the cavalry taking the
advance. On arriving at point 10 miles
from Petersburgh they diverged from the
road about mile to the right, where they
reached the Nottaway river and the COM
mand at once commenced crossing.
They bivouacked on this side for the
night, and at y A. NJ. on Thursday tie
pontoons were taken up, and the column
started, leaving cavalry detachment to
pick up the stragglers and return with
them. On reaching point two miles be-
yend Sussex Court House, some cavalry
were encountered and driven back to
where the Weldon Railroad crosses the
Nottaway. p.
About noon a small force of the enemy
made dash in between our cavalry and
the advance of our infantry, but were soon
routed with slight loss on both sides.
Here cavalryman was found who had
evidently been wounded and stripped of
even bis boots.
The advance then commenced the de-
struction Of the railroad by burning the
bridges across the Nottaway, and con-
tinued on to Jarrett's Station, bivouacking
ct that place on Thursday night.
On Friday morning an early start was
made, and in the afternoon the advance
reached point near Hicksford, where the
enemy were found to have some force and
battery in position with strong force on
both sides of the Meherrin River. After
the position had been examined, an attack
was deemed impracticable on account of
the strength of the works and the difficult
ty Of approaching them, particularly with
artillery.
1t was determined to carry the line of
works on this side, and destroy the depot,
which was successfully done. During this
charge Col. Sargent, of the LIST Massachu-
sets, is said to have been killed.
Troops were seen moving into position
at this point, as though they had Just ar
rived, and the fire from the rebel batteries
soon after showed that they had been re-
inforced.
1t now got dark and began raining, snow
ing and freezing. The troops camped in
| the vicinity for the night, and in the MORN
ing started on their return, reaching Sus-
sex Courthouse and halting there. '.,
The rebel cavalry and a small body of
their infantry followed and endeavored to
annoy our rear guard, but each time were
driven back with loss. .'t
This afternoon the Nottaway River was
reached, and the entire command crossed
in safety, where they found part of the
9th corps who had started to their aid in
case of an engagement. Tomorrow they
will all be back in their old position in
front of Petersburg.