Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1864-05-13
THE NEWS.

The war news is of the most exciting char
acteRg Thursday lest the great contest open
ed on the Rapidan, and since that time up to
the date of last advices there has been al
most constant fighting of the most deter
mined character, with varying results, bat on
the whole highly favorable to our side, giving
strong hope Of ultimate success in defeating or
destroying the main rebel army. 1t is impos-
sible at this time to state the exact situation
Of affairs, though it is certain that Grant has
steadily advanced, Lee as steadily fallen back
toward the rebel capital, and the probabilities
are be will soon be compelled TO seek shelter
within the entrenchments around Richmond
A very few days must result in something de-
cisive, and there is every reason to anticipate
that the right will triumph and rebellion re-
ceive fatal wound.
Simultaneous with the movement of the
Army of the Potomac, large force under
Butler ascended the James River, landed at
City Point, cut the railroad between Rich
mond and Petersburg, and in several engage
ments vanquished the enemy under Beaure-
gard. This force threatens the city from the
south side, as also Petersburg and at last ad-
vices it was only Is miles distant from Rich
mond. A feet of gun-boats and monitors ac-
companied the land force, and at last accounts
it was thought they we're engaging Fort Darl-
ing and the rebel iron-clads. The last heard
from Butler be had sent to Fortress Monroe
over three hundred prisoners, which indicates
that he was still successfully engaged in his
cooperative efforts.
In addition to these movements against
Richmond; force under Seigel is ascending
the Shenandoah Valley toward 'StauntOn; and
another under Crook assembled the KanaWha,
is striking for the Virginia and Tennessee rail-
road, and at last advices had advanced as far
as Princeton without meeting serious opposi-
tion.
About the time our forces commenced the
advance against Richmond, the Army under
Sherman was also put 10 motion, and at last
accounts had made considerable advance to-
ward Dalton. A battle was hourly expected,
and as we are supposed to have the advantage
in numbers triumph of our arms is conf
IDENTIFY anticipated.
A naval engagement in Albemarl Sound, !
on the 5th, resulted in repulse of the rebel
iron-clads and the capture Of one of their gun
boats and her crew, thirty-four in number.
News from Charleston shows great activity |
among the rebels, and it is thought they med.
itate an attack on our forces near the city,
which are considerably reduced in number by
sending Gen. Gilmore to Virginia. 1t is also
said arrangements are making on onr side for
another attempt to take Sumter.
In consequence of the failure of the Banks
expedition, Gen. Steele had retired from
Camden, Arkansas, and returned to Little
Rock.
In the battles in Virginia, we thus far loose
in officers, Major General Sedgwick and Brig
adler Generals Wodworth and Hays, with a
considerable number of CoIonels and subordi-
nate officers killed and wounded The rebel
loss in officers appears to exceed ours. Long
street is reported dead, and the report seems
to be well founded; and some three or four of
their Brigadiers are killed, with large num-
ber of minor officers.