The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-03-11

James river canal as possible, and then TAX
ing the river road, was to cross if possible
and enter the city from the south side, and
attempt the deliverence of prisoners on Belle
Isle. Gen. Fitzpatrick with the main body
was to attack the city by Brooks turnpike,
simultaneously. if possible, with the other
movement. 1t was hoped to reach the city
on Monday night or early the following morn
ing when partial if not total surprise could
be effected. Two of those fatalities which
more than once during this war have snatch
ed success from the very grasp of those who
by their valor and daring have richly des-
erved the victor's crown, interposed and pre-
vented the conSummation of one of the best
conceived and most brilliant plans of the
whole war. Col. Dahlgren had taken a
negro to pilot him to Richmond. Pushing
on so as to reach Richmond as soon as posi-
bic, Col. Dahlgren discovered that his negro
guide had betrayed him and led him towards
Goochland instead of to Richmond, and
Tuesday at midnight found himself miles in
just the opposite direction from that which
ne wished to take. The negro was prompt
ly hung for his baseness. Retracing his
steps, Col. Dahlgren marched down the river
road, destroying the Dover -four mills, sever
al private Touring establishments and saw
mills. His force also did considerable in
jury to the James river canal, burning canal
boats and seriously damaging one or two
locks. They did not reach the immediate
vicinity Of Richmond till afternoon when
everybody was on the alert, Fitzpatrick hav.
ing already made his attack. Col. Dahlgren's
detachment was divided into several parties
tor the accomplishment of different objects
keeping together, however. One party at.
tempted to cross the river, but were repuls
ed. A very sharp fight ensued, and finding
the enemy in superior numbers and confront
ing them on every road, the force was com
PEELED to fall back. In attempting to cut
their way cut, Col. Dahlgren and Major
Cook of the I'd New York cavalry, witt
about 100 men got separated from the rest
The other detachments succeeded in rejoin
ing Gen. Fitzpatrick. but nothing has beer
heard of this one. The people on the roac
ard some of the prisoners aver that colone
who had but one leg was captured by the
rebels. If So it is feared that Col. Dahlgrer
was wounded, but strong hopes are entertain
ed that with his usual determination he ha:
cut his way through with at least part Of hi
$50 men.
Meanwhile Fitzpatrick had advanced dowr
the Brooks turnpike from Ashland, having
torn up the rails at that point, destroying
> the telegraph as he marched. At one of tn,
, stations, however, the telegraph operator sue
, ceeded in sending dispatch to Richmond
announcing that the Yankees are coming
He was risorer in less than % minutes
but that short time put Richmond on tn,
: qui vive, and it has stree been ascertainet
that about dozen field pieces were put il
battery and new entrenchment thrown VI
while awaiting Kilpatrick's arrival. Tn
troops reached the outer fertilization early o.
; Tuesday morning, and as the spires an,
f houses of the city came in view, cheer upol
E cheer went up from our men. Riding rapid
Iy toward the city, the outer line of work
was entered. The rebels therein threw dowr
) their arms, many of them surrendering an,
others taking to their heels. a \ fight ensue
for the next Ire e works, tut the bat.l..e
were too much for them, and " with his bat
tery Gen. fitzpatrick opened upon them an
the city. There is no doubt that the me-
: would have dashed upon and over everything
that stood in their way. so enthusiastic ha
they become; but Gen fitzpatrick acted til
wiser part and as the snrji whistle Of III
locomotive told of the bringing Up of rein
forcements from Pickett's brigade at Bottom
Bridge and vicinity. he reluctantly gave tn
order TO move towards Mechanicsyi.le.