The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-05-20
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Greas Uessrucuou 81 0obel Ceoouhscas
. tiess and ssppliesI
wAsmIxorox. May i4-il.40 p. NJ.
To Major Gen. DIR An oiicial dispatch
from Gen. Sheridan, dated Bottoms Creek, via
Fortress Monroe, 18th, states that on the 9th
he marched around the enemy's right flank.
and In the evening Of that day reached North
Anna river without opposition. During that
night he destroyed the enemy's depot at Bss-
yer Dam, three large trains Of 100 cars, two
hne locomotives, 200 900 pounds bacon, and
other stores, amounting to I, 800 900 raticns;
also telegraph. railroad track for about ten
miles. embracing several culverts, and recap
ono major general, aud several other officers.
On the morning OF the 10th he resumed opera9
tions crossing South Anna river ct Grand Squir.
rel bridge, and went into camp. About day.
light on the 1ith he captured Ashland Station,
destroyed one locomotive . train Of cars, en-.
gine house, two or three Government buildings
containing large amounts OF supplies, and six
miles Of railroad, embracing culverts, two tres
Ito bridges, and telegraph wires. About A:
the rebel Gen. Stuart concentrating at Yellow
Tavern, immediately attacked him. and amer
an obstinate combat gained possession Of Drook-
10 turnpike, capturing two pieces OF artillery,
aud driving his force back towards Ashland and
across the north fork Of the Chicksmoniny,
distance Of four milee. At the Same time
party charged down Brockle road and captured
the 6rst line Of the enemy's works around
Richmond. '
During the night no marched tho whole Of
his force between the first and second lines Of
the enemy's works. on the Bluffs overlooking
the line OF the Virginia Central railroad and
Mechanicsyille turnpike. Afcr demonstrating
on the works and finding them very strong. be
gave up the intention OF assaulting them, and
determined TO rccross tho ChlckAhominy st
Meadow bridge. II had been partially destroyed
by tho enemy, but was repaired 10 about three
hours under heavy artillery fire from rebel
battery. Gen. Merritt made o crossing, At
tackled the enemy and drove him oG handsome
ly, pursuit continuing n far a. Gaines Mills.
The enemy observing the crossing OF tho Chick.
ahominy, came out from his second line OF
works. A brigade Of infantry and large
number OF dismounted cavalry attacked the dl.
visions Of Gems. Gregg and Wilson, and sfler
severe contest was repulscd and driven bshiud
their works. Gems. Gregg and Wilson. after
collecting their wounded, recrosscd the river.
On the afternoon Of the 18th the corps eneamped
st Walnut Gorge and Gaines Mills. On the
morning Of the 18th tho march was resumed,
and encamped Ut Bottom bridge. Tho oom-
maud Il In fne spirits. Loss In horses will not
exceed 100. All wounded werc brought OF,
except thirty cases Of mortally wounded; thcss
were well cared for In the farm houses Tho
over $50. The Virginia Central railroad bridg-
% over tho Chiokahomlny, and other trestls
bridges. ono sixty feet long. one thirty feet,
ono twenty feet, and railroad for long dis
tsuce north of tho Chickshominy, were de-
stroyed.
(Signed) EN-. STANTON,
.r.r. .r-.t Seo'y Of War.