The Portland daily press., 1864-08-22
FROM GEN. CIR ANTS ARMY.
Destruction of the Weldon Rail-
road.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY PoroMAc,

AuglS.
This morning, at 4 o'clock, the 9TH corps
started on an expedition to cut the Weldon
railroad, taking four days rations with them.
This corps Was Withdrawn from the front
some days ago, and has been in the reserve
ever since. They reached the railroad about
o'clock, and the first division being In ad-
vance had skirmish with the enemy stationed
there TO protect the road. They fell back
rapidly, aud the loss on both sides was small.
Alter placing the troops in line to meet any
attack which might be made, the work OF
tearing up the road was commenced and pros
ecuted with yigor for several hours, but about
noon they were interrupted at their labors by
the appearance of the enemy, who were ad-
vanciug along the railroad from Petersburg in
line of battle. They proved to be Gen. Hills
corps, which had been lying in reserve lor the
past few days, aud who were advanced at
double quick as soon as they became aware OF
our intention and movement The I'd division,
Gen. Ayers commanding. held the advance on
the railroad, the Sd ana 4th divisions support
ing him on the right, while the lst division
was placed to cover the lett and prevent sur
prise from that quarter. The attack on the
% division was very determined, but our men
met it in gallant style, driving the rebels back
with heavy loss. After repeated attempts to
force our lines the rebels finally, after about
two hours hard lighting, gave up the idea aud
fell back some distance, keeping up fire all
the afternoon from their batteries and skir-
mishers. The move was complete surprise
to the ehemy, the rebels pickets stationed in
the vicinity being so astonished that they had
barely time to escape. Some few prisoners
were taken, several OF whom were wounded.
The track was torn mp for over mile. Our
troops still bold their position at dark to-
night, and tomorrow they will destroy the
ties and rails of the road. unless the rebels
shall appear in too strong numbers.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY Potomac,
Aug. 20, Gan
Yesterday was the quietest day in the
front of Petersburg for month. On the
Weldon road where Warren's Corps has TAX
en- position, considerable Skin u shing
with occasional discharge OF artillery oc-
CURED but nothing resembling an engage
! ment. In the afternoon the evening moved a
force from near Petersburg towards towards
our lest, aud made an attempt t. force our
line near Jerusalem read, Tut finding the r ,ad
not so easy as thee anticipated abandoned 1t.
1 They took few prisoners before they fell
| back. The number OF causaties In the 5th
corps on Thursday was about $50. Nearly
all of the wounded are in hospital.
At midnight some OF the batteries in front
OF the 18th corps opened on our left and a
sharp cannonading was kept up several hours
with the result. nobody injured. At this
hour not gun can be heard. The few re-
/ maning members of the Zauave company
which Gen. Banks o meily had for body
guard were mustered out ef 81 rvice on Thurs
day The roads are becoming bad in conse
/ queuce OF the continued rain which has fallen
/ the present week and still continues.
FORTRESS MONROE. Aug 20.
Adyices by the City Point boat confirm the
advance of the 9th corps and occupation o
the Weldon Il Il. after severe fight. ON
line on the North side of the Jam river re
main unchanged Notwithstanding repeated
efforts Of the rebels to dislodge our forces
The eanalis progrts ssipg favorably.