Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-12-16

Dec. IL.
The movements Of this department, which
have been in the course of execution for the
past few days, have finally been developed,
and now the object intended to be accom-
plished may be given to the public, as well as
the results attained.
II was known that the enemy we're procur-
ing large supplies for their troops BY way Of
the Weldon Railroad to Stony Creak, thence
they were wagoned to Petersburg. A cavalry
force was sent there some ten days ago, but
not being able to effectualy stop the rebel OPP
erations, the 9Th corps with Gregg's cavalry
and the Sd division Of the 81 corps we're de-
tailed to put stop to it by destroying the
railroads as far south as Hickslord and If pos
sible that station also. At daylight Wedness
day morning, the column started south on the
Jerusalem road. the cavalry taking the ad-
vance. On arriving at point - miles from
Petersburg they diverged from the road about
mile to the right, when they reached Notta-
way river. The command commenced cross
ing and bivouacked on the south side for the
night.
Thursday morning the pontoons were taken
up and the column started, leaving cavalry
DETACHMENT to pick up stragglers and return
with tLem. On moving two miles below
Sussex Court House some cavalry were en-
countered and driven back to where the We'll
don railroad crosses the Nottaway.
Abou neon small force of the enemy made
a dash IN between our cavalry and the adj
vance OF the infantry, but were soon routed
with small. loss on both sides. Here caval-
ryman was found murdered and stripped of
everything. The advance commenced de-
struction Of the railroad by burning the
bridge &C. oss the Nottoway and continued to
Jewetts Station, bivouaoking there thursday
night.
Friday morning an early start was made,
and in the afternoon the advance reached a
point near Hicksford, where the enemy were
found in some force, and having battery in
position with strong works on both sides OF
the Newbern river. After the position had
been examined an attack was deemed imprac-
ticable on account of the strength OF the
works and difficulty Of approaching them,
particularly with artillery. Therefore it was
determined to carry the line OF works this
side, and destroy the depot, which was sue
cessiully done. During this charge Colonel
Sergeant OF the lst Massachusetts, is said to
have been killed.
About this time troops were seen moving
into position at this point as though they had
iust arrived and the fire from the rebel at
teres soon after showed that they had been
reinforced, 1t now got dark and began RAIN
ing, showing and freezing. The troops camp
ed 10 the vicinity for the night and in the
morning started on their re urn. They reach
ed Sussex Coart House Saturday night and
rested there that night The rebel cavalry
and small body of infantry followed our
forces and tried to harry them, but they were
driven back with loss.
This afternoon Not oway river was reached
and the entire command crossed safely, where
they found part OF the 9th corps, who had
started to aid them in case of an engagement.
Tomorrow they will be back in their old po-
sition. The movement was very successful
one. A most effective blow has been dealt
the rebels by the destruction of some fifteen
miles of railroad which they were extensive
ly using, some 100 cars passing over it every
day. The track was torn up and the ties
burned and the rails twisted and bent into
every shape.
All the depots along the route were burned.
also numerous barns and mills. from the cover
of which guerrilas had fred ON our troops.
One guerrilla was caught and hung. Our loss
will not exceed so OF go killed, wounded and
missing. They had to encounter very severe
weather, but managed 20 keep from suffering
severely.
Nothing has transpired 10 front of Peters
burg to-day. The weather to-day changed
and d cold wind storm prevails.
! Two men OF he 10th New York volun-
teers were executed yesterday for desertion.
w. d, MoGREGoR.