Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-03-05
From rxiIpntricIx,s Command.

WASHINGTON, March 3.--A special dis
patch to the Herald says: A note from the
Army of the Potomac, dated $3.50 this morn
ing, says messengers have come through
from Fitzpatrick, whom they left some ten
miles south of fHanoverJu Junction on Wednes-
day morning. The command had most
| thoroughly and effectually destroyed the
| Virginia Central Railroad from Beaver Dam
to Hanover Junction, and the Richmond &
Fredericksburg railroad from the Mattapo-
nix bridge to the Pamuhky river, the entire
distance destroyed being over forty miles.
| There had been severe skirmishing during
the advance, but it was confined mostly to
| the right flank of Kilpatrick's command. AS
Wade Hampton's rebel cavalry are known
| to be reoccupying the country to the west
of the line of march taken by our cavalry,
1t is probable that his is the only rebel force
that has been engaged. If the spoliation upon
the two roads is as complete as represented,
Lee will be compelled to move his army
from its present position to subsist it, for
unless the rebels have facilities far greater
than any we possess for constructing rail-
roads, 1t will take them at least four weeks
to repair the damages. All reports concur
IN estimating that at no time has Gen. Lees
army had larger supply than from six to
ten days rations on hand.
the country through which he passed al
most destitute of food for man or beast, and
as his troops went in light marching order,
he has been compelled to push forward with
all possible speed. The rain storm of Mon
day night and Tuesday had been a great
drawback to his movements, but as 1t has
been clear and cool for the past two days, it
is hoped that ere this the command has ar
rived at a point where 1t can at least obtain
supplies.
Fitzpatrick reached Louisa Court House
on Monday night. He destroyed the rail-
road for several miles, and hurried toward
the Pamunky river. He was to have been
in Richmond Wednesday morning. Conf
dence in his success Is weakened only by
the arrival at Richmond of Longstreet's
veterans. Fitzpatrick has five thousand pick
ed men and several mounted batteries, and
for rapidity of movement, marches in three
columns.
Another special to the Tribune reports
that Fitzpatrick is expected to return to-day
via one of the fords near Stevensboro, and
discredits the rumor of his being at White
House.
Another dispatch reports the arrival of
one Of Kilpatrick's scouts, who left our
forces within fourteen miles of Richmond,
and states that junction had been formed
with Gen. Buffers forces. They had de-
stroyed the pike and railroad in their rear,
and encountered no serious opposition
Deserters confirm the destruction of the
bridge over the Pamunky river and the
telegraph line. ot
General Lee sent formidable force OF
cavalry and artillery to see what was the
matter. They also state that when Gen.
Custar was ascertained to be in the rear of
Charlottesville, Ewell's whole corps was
sent there to resist our advance.
A special to the Times says: The War
Department has information that Long
streets force is in Richmond; also, reports
Kilpatrick's force at six thousand, and that
he has from twenty-four to thirty-six
hours start of the rebel cavalry.
A special to the World says: There is
probably no truth in Kilpatrick's reported
junction with Butler at White House, as
the latter telegraphs he has heard nothing
of the expedition.
A Worlds telegram has a rtmor that 1t is
understood an organization prevails among
the negro population of Richmond and en-
virons, for the present aid and comfort of
Union refugees and prisoners, and for the
pupose of helping in any attempt to cap
ture the city.
.