Evening star., 1864-05-15

General Sheridan, dated at Bottorn Bridge, via
Fortress Monroe, 18th, 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-
ton. During that night he destroyed tne enc
my's depot at Beaver Dam; three large "ains
of cars, numbering one hundred; two nne To-
comotiyes; one hundred thousand POUNDS OF
bacon, and other stores, amounting In all 10
one million and half OF rebel rahonsi aiso'
the telegraph and railroad track for ABOUT ten
miles, embracing several cuiverts; recaptured
three hundred and seventy -eiEht OF our men,
including two colonels, one major, and several
other officers.
On the morning of the 10th he renewed oper.
ations, crossing the South Anna, at Grand
Squirrel Bridge, and went into camp about
daylight On the 11th he captured Ashland
Station, destroyed here one locomotive and
train OF cars, engine house. two or three Gov
ernment buildings, containing large ameunts
OF stores; also, destroyed six miles of railroad,
embracing six culverts, two trestle bridges,
and the telegraph wire.
About a. IA. of the 11th he resumed the
march on Richmond. He found the rebel Gen.
Stuart with his cavalry concentrated at yell
low Ia vern; Immediately attacked him, and,
after an obstinate contest, gained possession Of
the Brock turnpike, capturing two pieces of
artillery anu III wing his forces back towards
Ashland, ar ;~oss the north fork Of the
Chickahominy, q distance Of four miles. At
the same time q 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 be-
tween the first and second lines Of the enemys
works on the bluffs overlooking the line Of the
Virginia Central Railroad and the Mechanics
Vile turnpike.
After demonstrating against the works, and
finding them very strong, he gave up the in.
tention OF assaulting, and determined to recross
the Chickah h ominy at Meadow Bridge. It had
been partially destroyed by the enemy, but
was repaired in about three hours under a
heavy artillery fire from rebel battery. Gen.
Merritt made the crossing, attacked the enemy
and drove him Oft handsomely, the pursuit
continuing as far as Gaines Mills. The enemy,
observing the recrossing of the Ohickahominy'
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 10Th, 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
mand is in fine spirits. The loss Of horses will
not exceed 1GO. All the wounded were brought
off, 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 $50.
The Virginia Central railroad bridges over
the Chickahominy and other trestle bridges
one sixty feet in length, one thirty feet, one
twenty feet, and the railroad for long dis.
tance south Of the Chickahominy-were de-
stroyed. Great praise is given the division
commanders, Generals Gregg, Wilson, Mer.
ritt, and. Generals Custar and Davis, Colonels
Greg, Divine, Chapman, Mcintosh, and
Gibbs, brigade commanders. All the officers
and men behaved splendidly.
HALF.PAsr 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. ].
E. b. Stuart, ssshot in battle" This, no doubt,
happened in the battle with Gen. Sheridan.
EDWIN NJ. STANTON, Secretary of War;