Evening star., 1864-05-16
WASHINGTON. NAV "a. 1O.i0a m

"ASflNdiON, may IL, iu4U q, N.
Major General Dir: An official despatch from
General Sheridan, lated at Bottom Bridge, via
Fortress Monroe, 1: tn, states that on the 9th
instant, he marched around the enemy's right
flank, and, on the evening of that day, reached
the North Anna river without serious opposi-
tion. During that night he destroyed the enc
my's depot at Beaver Dam; three large trains
OF cars, numbering one hundred; two fine To-
comotiyes; one hundred Thousand pounds of
bacon, and other stores, amounting in all to
one million and half OF rebel rauons; also,
the telegraph and railroad track for about ten
miles, embracing several cuiyerts; recaptured
three hundred and seventy eight of our men,
including two colonels, one major, and several
On the morning of the 10th he renewed ofer-
atious, crossing the South Anna, at Grand
Squirrel Bridge, and went into camp about
Station, destroyed here one locomotive and
train OF cars, engine house, two or three Gov
eminent buildings, containing large amsnnts
embracing six culverts, two trestle bridges,
and the telegraph wire.
About a. R OF the llth ne resumed the
march on Richmond. He found the rebel Gen.
Stuart with his cavalry concentrated at Vel
low Ia yern; Immediately attacked him, and,
after an obstinate contest, gained possession OF
the Brock turnpike, capturing two pieces of
artillery and driving his forces back towards
Ashland, and across the north fork Of the
Chickahominy, q distance Of tour miles. At
the same time party charged down the Brock
road and captured the first line Of the enemy's
works around Richmond. During the night
he marched the whole Of his command De-
tween the first and second lines Of the enemy's
works on the bluffs overlooking the line of the
Virginia Central Railroad and the Mechanics
vile turn pike.
After demonstrating against the works, and
finding them very strong, he gave up the in-
tention OF assaulting, and determined to recross
the Chickahominy at Meadow Bridge. 1t had
been partially destroyed by the enemy, but
was repaired in about three hours under
heavy artillery fire from rebel battery. Gen
Merritt made the crossing, attacked the enemy.
and drove him Off handsomely, the pursuit
continuing as far as Gaines Mills. The enemy,
obsery wing the recrossing OF the Chickahominy,
came out from his second line of works
A brigade Of infantry and large number of
dismounted cavalry arriving at this juncture
attacked the divisions of Gems. Gregg and
Wilson, but after a severe contest were re.
pulsed 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 Gaines Mills. At9a
m. OF the 18th yesterday march was resumed,
ana encamped at Bottom Bridge. The COM
maId is in fine spirits. The loss of horses will
not exceed 1C0. All the wounded were brought
on, 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; total losses not over $780,
The Virginia Central railroad bridges over
the Chickahominy and other trestle bridges
twenty feet, and the railroad for a long dis
tance south Of the Chickahominy-were de.
stroyed. Great praise is given the division
ritt, and Generals Custar and Davis ColoneIs
Gregg, Divine, Chapman, Mcintosh, and
Gibbs, brigade commanders. All the officers
and men behaved splendidly.
HALF.PAsT TWELVE, A. MA dispatch this
moment received from Admiral Lee, reports to
the Secretary of the Navy, that Richmond pa.
pers of yesterday mention the death OF Gen. J.
E. B, Stuart, ..shot in battle" This, no doubt,
happened in the battle with Gen. Sheridan
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary OF War.