Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-05-16
w~AsHrNeroS. May ALL 30 p NJ

wAsHrSeroS. May ALL 30 p. NJ.
To Major General DIX:
An official dispatch from Gen. Sheridan has
just been received. dated Bottoms Bridge, via
Fortress Monroe, 18th.
Sheridan saws that on the 9th he marched
around the enemy's right flank. and on the even
ing of that day he reached the North Auna river
without opposition.
That night he destroyed the enemy's depot
at Bever Dam. three large trains of 100 cars,
two fine locomotives. 300 .OU0 pounds OF bacon.
and other stores, amounting in all to one million
and a half of rations.
He also destroyed the telegraph and railroad
track for about ten miles, embracing several
culverts. recaptured 37S of our men. including
two Colonies. one Major and several other Off
GERS.
On the morning Of the 10Th he resumed Ope.
ratioIs. crossing the North Anna at Grand Squir-
riI Bridge, and went into camp about daylight on
the llth.
He captured Ashland Station, destroyed there
one locomotive and a train of cars, an engine
house aud two or three Government buildings
containing a large amount of stores. He also
DESTROYER several miles of road embracing six
~culverts and trestle bridges and the telegraph
wires.
About 7 O'Clock on The morning OF the llth
he resumed the march on Richmond. He found
the rebel Gen. Stuart with his cavalry concen
trated at Yellow Tavern and Immediately at
tackled bin. After an obstinate contest he gained
possession of the turnpike. capturing two pieces
OF artillery and driving his forces back toward
Ashland and across the north fork Of the Chick
ahominy.
At the same time a body charged down the
Break road and captured the first line of the
enemies works around Richmond.
During the night he marched the whole of his
command between the first and second lines of
Of the enemies works on the bluffs overlooking
the line OF the Virginia Central Railroad, and
the Mechanicsville turnpike. After demonstrate
ing around the works and finding them very
strorg, he gave up the idea Of assaulting, and
deter mined 10 recross the Chickahominy AT
Meadows bridge. 1t had been partially des-
trOyed by the enemy, but was repaired in about
three hours under a heavy artillery FIRE from a
rebel battery. Gen. Merritt made the crossing
attacked the enemy. aud drove him off hand
somely, the pursuit continuing "a far as Gaines
Mills. The enemy observing the recrossing OF
the Chickahomlny came out from his second
line of works.
A brigade of infantry and a large number o.
dismounted men attacked the divisions Of Gen'ls
Gregg and Wilson, but after a severe contest
were repulsed aud driven behind their works.
Gregg's and Wilson's divisions. after collecting
the wounded recrossed the Cbickahominy.
On tie afternoon Of the 18th The corps en-
camped at Gaines Mills.
On the morning of the 18th the march was
resumed to Bottoms Bridge.
The wounded do not exceed $50, and the total
loss is not over $50.
The Virginia Central Railroad bridge over the
Chickahominy, several other trestle brid yes. and
the railroad track for II long distance south of the
Chickahomiuy, we're destroyed.
All the officers and men behaved spleGdidiy.
(Sigued) T.. NJ. STANTON,
Secretary of War.