The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1864-05-26
Gen. sheridan,s Grand Raid.
NUMBER 81.

WASHINGTON, May 14-11:40 pm.
To Major General Dix: -i'
An official dispatch from Sheridan, dated
Bottoms Bridge, riG Fortress Monroe, May
18th, states that on the 9th inst. he marched
around the enemys right flank, and on the
evening Of that day reached the North Anna
River without oposition. During that night
he destroyed the enemy's depot at Beaver
Dam, three large trains of 100 cars, two fine
locomotives, 200, 900 pounds of bacon, and
other stores, amounting in all to 1900, 900
pounds of rebel rations also the telegraph
and railroad track for about ten miles, en-
bracing several culverts; recaptured 359 of
our men, including ten ColoneIs, one Major,
and several other officers.
On the morning of the 10th he resumed op-
erations, crossing the South Anna at Grand
Squirrel bridge, and went into camp. About
daylight on the 18th he captured Ashland
Station; destroyed here one locomotive and
u train of cars, an engine house and two or
three Government buildings, containing a
large amount of stores; also destroyed sew
eral miles of road, embracing six culverts,
tressle- bridges, and the telegram wires.
About o'clock in the morning Of the
11th, he resumed the march on Richmond.
lie found the rebel General Stuart with his
cavalry concentrated at Yellow Tavern,
immediately attacked him, and, after an
obstinate contest, gained possession of the
Brock turnpike, capturing two pieces of ar
tillery, and driving his forces back towards
Ashland and across the north fork of the
Chickahominy. At the same time party
charged down the Brock road and captured
the first line of the eneniy,s works on the
hII1ffc fha oe he rinio
Central Road and the Mechanicsyille turn
pike. After demonstrating around the works
and finding them very strong he gave Ep
intention of assaulting, and determined to
recross tue Chicahominy, at Meadow Bridge.
envy, but was repaired in about three no urs
under heavy artillery fire from rebel bat
terry. Gen. Merritt made the crossing, at
tackled the enemy and drove him off hand
somely, the pursuit continuing as far as
Gaines Mills. The enemy observing the
recrossing of the Chicahominy, came out
from his second line of works. A brigade
Of infantry and large number ofdismounted
cavalry, attacked the divisions of Generals
Gregg and Wilson, but after severe con-
test, were repuIsed and driven behind their
works. Gregg's and Wilson's divisions
after collecting the wounded, recrossed the
Chickahominy. On the afternoon of the 18th
the corps encamped at Walnut Grove and
Gains Mills On the morning of the 18th
yesterday the march was resumed, and we
encamped at Bottom Bridge. The command
is i'll fine spirits. The loss of horses will not
exceed 100. All the wound ed were brought
off, except about thirty cases of mortal
wounds and these were well cared for in the
farm houses of the country. The wounded
will not exceed $50, and the total losses
not over $50. The Virginia Central Rail
road bridge over the Chicahominy, and
other restle-bridges, 100 feet in length, 1870
feet, and 120 feet, and the railroad for
long distance south Of the Chicahominy,
were destroyed.
Great praise is given the division eolli~
manders, Generals Gregg, Wilson and Mer-
rift, and the Generals Gustav and Davis, Colo
nels Gregg, Divin, Chapman, Mcintosh and
Gibbs, brigade commanders; and all the
officers and men behaved splendidly.
May 15-12:3O a.m-In a dispatch this
moment received from Admiral Lee, he re-
ports to the Secretary of the navy that the
Richmond papers of yesterday mention the
death of General J. E. L. Stuart, shot III
battle, and this no doubt happened in the
battle with Sheridan.
(signeO E. M.sSTANTON.
Saopntarv Of WAY