The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1864-03-19
XILPAf1ICHS RAID.
Daring March and Daring Advanssl |
RICHMOND SHELI,ED!
THE START.

Divisions, be proceeded to the Rspidsn,
crossing at Ely's Ford. From thence the
eoluDn marched to Spottsylvania G. H.,
and from that point to The end of his dar.
ing journey he was more or less harsssed
by rebels. At Spottsylvania the command
Vas divided into different parties, who we're
to scour the country as they proceeded to.
ward common centre-F1ichmond. Every
road Was to be carefully secuted, that no
concealed foes, even in small numbers.
should be left behind, 40 as to concentrate
and worry him.
CHARACTER OF EXPEDITION.
The expedition was warlike tour, when
all the fun, chickens, turkeys, geese, hogs,
corn, oats, hay, horses, mules, negroes,
graybacks, whether wade of flesh or paper,
that could be bad, we're to be had. They
carried with them but two or three feeds
each for their horses, and about ~ many
days rations for the men. the General be-
ing determined that for once the celebrated
order, " subsiss on the enemy's county, y
should be faithfully executed.
FoRwARD-LEE's ESCAPE
On Monday they reached the Virginia
Railroad, and tore up the track in four
places, destroying whatever property would
render the road useless.
At Fredericksball, on the Central Rail-
road, they came upon court martial, peace.
fully holding its sessions, and captured .
colonel, five captains and two lieutenants.
Gen. Lee had passed over the railroad on
his way to bis army but an hour before our
men reached it. s
Leaving Frederickshall on Monday, they
pushed on for Richmond, . detachment Of
five hundred men under Colonel Dahlgren
keeping vel! to the right, in the direction
Of Louisa Court House, while Gen. Kill.
patrick, with the main body, moved upon
Ashland, both parties securing the country
thoroughly, and doing all possible damage.
THE APPROACH.
As the forces neared Richmond, the two
main parties began concentrating. Col.
Dahlgrcn Was to move down to the right Of
Richmond, destroying as much Of the
James River Canal as possible. Then tax,
ing the river road, was to cross If possible,
aud enter the city from the south side, and
attempt the deliverance of the prisoners on
Belle Isle.
Gen. Fitzpatrick, with the main body,
was to attack the city by the Brooks turn.
pike, simultaneously if possible with the
other movement. 1t was hoped to reach
the city on Monday night or early the fol.
lowing morning, when . partial il not
total surprise could be effected.
FOR RICHMOND.
Gen. Fitzpatrick had advanced down the
Brooks turnpike from Ashland, having torn
up the rails at that point, destroying the
telegraph as be marched. At one Of the
stations, however, the operator succeeded
in sending dispatch to Richmond, an
nonncing that the Yankees we're coming.
He was prisoner in less than fifteen
minutes, but that short time put Richmond
on the qui vive, and it has since been ascer-
tanned that about dozen field pieces were
put in battery, and a new intrenchment
thrown up, while awaiting bis arrival.
INSIDE OF REBEL FoRrIFIcArIoNs, RICH
MoND sHELLED.
The troops reached the outer Notifications
early on Tuesday morning, and, as the
spires and houses of the city came in view,
cheer upon cheer went up from our men.
Riding rapidly toward the city, the outer
line of works vas entered. The rebels
therein surrendered, threw down their arms,
many Of them surrendering, and others
taking to their heels.
A fight then ensued for the next line,
but the batteries we're too much for them,
and so with bis battery, Gen. Fitzpatrick
opened upon them and the city.
There is no doubt that the men would
have dashed upon and oves everything that
stood in their way, SO enthusiastic had they
become, but Gen. Fitzpatrick acted the
wiser part, and as the sbrill whistle Of the
locomotive told Of the bring up Of rein.
from Pickets's brigade, 1t Bot.
toms Bridge and vicinity, be reluctantly
gave the order to move towards Mechanics.
vile.
THE RETREAT. ,,,,-
That Was tough work Troops poured
into Richmond in every direction, and we're
after h,m. But BY caution, skirmishing all
the while, be escaped.
General Butler bad sent 1000 Infantry,
and 1000 cavalry, meanwhile, to render
assistance to Fitzpatrick. The latter pro.
seeded rs far IS Tuustall Station, destroy
ing there steam saw mill aud machinery,
freight cars, lumber, &C.. and on Wedues.
DAY morning met Gen. Fitzpatrick and his
forces.
The greatest consternatiou prevailed in
Richmond during the fighting. as we'll it
might.