The Portland daily press., 1864-05-09
BY TELEGRAPH
TorHE
Portland Daily Press.
FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
SUCCESS OF GEN. Grant.
Gen. Lee Driven Back toward, R ohmond
WAsnINGrnN May

WASHINGTON, May =
Up to O'Clock this afternoon the Govern
ment had received no information OF more de-
cisive results than was furnished By the Tri-
buRe dispatch, published this morning. There
fore, the reports OF a great victory achieved
by Gen. Grant on Wednesday and Thursday,
and the pursuing OF the enemy on Friday,
etc. are, 10 say the least, not reliable.
rs the down train from Brandy Station was
on the way down this morning, when about
three miles this side of Bull Run, il was fired
into by guerrillas concealed in the woods. A
Toley was returned by the guard on the train
The city has been intensely excited all day
with the news from the army OF the Potomac.
the early publications serving to excite the
publie curiosity concerning the military move
nents. The bulletins of the newspapers at
tracted throngs of readers. Inquiries are re-
peatedly made OF all who were supposed to
have items OF Intelligence, while extra news
papers continue to be cried by the newsboys,
and purchased in abundance. Rumors of de-
feat and brilliant victories prevailed to imi-
ted extent, but both classes OF reports require
authenticity to gain general belief The
thoughtful, however, came TO the conclusion
that 4 single encounter would not determine
the contest, aud a series of battles may have
TO DE fought before there can be any decisive
result.
1t was telegraphed hence by the Independ-
emf Telegraph line, but refused by the other
line, doubtless for prudential reasons, that
great victory was achieved by Gen. Grant on
Wednesday and Thursday, he driving the
rebels two and half miles with immense loss,
and that he was following that victory on
Friday morning by an assault on rebel works.
The Star, ia noticing similar statement of
an afternoon contemporary, remarks I'VE
should be very glad to confirm this news but
have to say, after dligent inquiry, we are sat
isfied that the Government has received no
such Information, or any information of more
decisive results than that furnished by the
Tribune's dispatch elsewhere The fact that
Gen. Meade was able To stand the brunt of
the Confederate onset with a portion of his
command is considered hopeful indication,
aud we hope soon to be able to announce a
decisive victory, but we shall not tri1e with
our readers by manufacturing victories for an
hours sensation"
The above contradiction Of the Star is be-
lieved to be based on reliable information.
During the day many inquiries were made
of officers of the Government, but without
the satisfaction naturally desirable on the part
OF those who have impatient desires for early
and complete success, and who forget that the
work must be necessarily stubborn, heavy and
persistent on both sides, owing TO the great
Importance of the result. The fragmentary
Information received from time to time shows
nothing decisive. but serves TO contradict
many rumors of the previous specuations
concerning the whereabouts and design of the
rebels which were SO confidently asserted
The statements which were received here
to-day, and which are entitled to belief, are
that Gen. Lee made a tremendous and violent
attack To piercaour centre, hoping thereby to
divide our forces and to secure victory, but
Gen. Hitchcock's corps came TO the relief and
amid murderous fire formed in line of battle
apd thwarted the designs of the rebels The
loss was heavy on both sides. Gen. Sheridan
was proGtably engaged in another part OF the
field, and sent the Chief in command mes
sage that he had routed stuart's cavalry. The
attack of Lee was on our advancing columns,
who, doubtless, anticipated victory by his
onslaught before the main body could advance
TO the field OF battle.
The appearances on Thursday were that the
hostilities would be renewed on Friday.
MtdRtgbt-The greatest excitement pre-
walls in this city TO night 10 learn further par
ticulars of the great battle between Grant and
Lee. All sorts of rumors prevail, but no
official information has been received by the
Government of the great battle up TO the
present time. II is said that our loss Ia killed
and wounded on Thursday was about 1000,
including many officers Of distinction.
WASHINGTON, 81 A. NJ.
killed in the fight on Thursday, and that sew
eral other generals were wounded.
New YORK, May S.
By telegraph from Washington TO General
John A. Dix, New York:
Washington, Nay Sth, . 4. M-We have
no official reports from the front, but the med
ical direction has notified our Surgeon Geuer-
al that our wounded were being sent TO Wash
lngtoD, and will number from 5000 to 5000.
a4,f.. ~. =
Potomac has made acquisitions for several
days grain and for railroad construction trains,
and states that the enemy is reported to be
retreating. This indicates Gen. Grants ad-
vance, and affords an inference OF material
success on our part. The enemy's strength
has always been most felt in his first blows,
aud their having failed and our forces not on
ly having maintained their ground but prepar-
ing TO advance, lead TO the hope of full and
complete success; for when either party fails,
Reorganization by Struggling aud desertion
commences. The enemy's loss 10 killed and
wounded must weaken HIM more than we are
weakened. Nothing further than my last
nights dispatch has been received from Gen.
Butler.
a dispatch has been received from General
Sherman, dated 5 o'clock Z. NJ. yesterday,
stating that Gen. Thomas had occupied Tunnel
Hill, where he expected battle, and that the
eueny hdu tdken position al DuLLafus hO0st
Pass, north of Dalton, but no real fighting
yet.
1t is designed to give accurate official state
ments Of what is known to the Department
10 this great crisis, and 10 withhold nothing
from the public.
tSiguedl +. NJ. STANTON,
Secretary Of War.
WASHINGTON, May s.
The Star in lis extra this morning says
Gen. ingalls, says, I'VE have fought two days.
The enemy are said to be retiring" There
seems 10 be no doubt that although nothing
decisive has yet occurred, the enemy has been
ioiled In his confident expectations of driving
L..