The Big blue union. [volume] (Marysville, Kan.) 1862-1866, 1864-06-25

several stand of colors, and between 5000
and 1000 prisoners. The line is two miles
from the city. Hancock came up and took
position on the left at 3a. m. to-day.
There was heavy firing in that direction
from five to six o'clock. No report has
been received yet.
Port Harding Landing, Va, p. m. June
46.-Afler sending my despatch of this
morning from the nights, south east of Pc
tersburg, l went over to the conquered
lines with Gen. Gsant and the engineering
officers. The works are of the very strong
est kind, and more difficult to take than
was Mission Ridge at Chattanooga.
The hardest fighting has been by the
black troops. The forts they stormed
were the worst of all. After the affair
was over, General Smith went aud thanked
them told them be was proud Of their
courage and dash. He says they can't be
excelled as soldiers, and hereafter he will
send them to difficult place as readily
as the best white troops. i 90, vra s.
They capturedsix out Of sixteen cannon
which they took from Bsauregard's COM
mand. Some of them say they had just
crossed the James above Drury's Bluff.
l do not think any of Lees army had
reached Petersburg when Smith arrived.
Thy seemed to be making arrangements
TO hold the west side of the Appomatox.
The town they cannot think Of holding as
it lies directly under our guns.
City Point, June 16, Ais p. m.-Gen.
Butler reports from Bermuda Hundred,
that the enemy have abandoned the works
in front of that place. His troops are now
engaged in tearing the railroad up between
Petersburg and Richmond
jamestown. Va. June III came down
from the spontoon above Point Powhaltan
with dispatches for Secretary Stanton.
Just as left Captain Pitkins reported TO
me that Petersburg was in our hands. No
dispatches of late has been heard from
Gen. Sheridan, but the Richmond Whig
of the 10th has dispatch from Lee, stat
ing lha. Sheridan had been routed in an
engagement with Lee and Hampton,
losing 500 prisoners. and leaving his dead
and wounded on the field.
From General Sherman, dispatch da-
ted last night has been received. 1t only
relates to portions of his forces. No Sc
rious engagement has as yet occurred.
L. NJ. Stanton,
Secretary Of War.
New York, June 20-A special from
headquarters Army of the the Potomac,
near Petersburg, Friday morning says:
We are again in front of the entire rebel
army, which has been engaged by our ad.
vance, of tie "a and 18th corps. An
important capture Of guns prisoners,
and positions has been accomplished
The Cd, with the 18Th corps, are in line of
battle, and on the arrival 'of the balance
of the troops disposition will be made
for final assault upon the enemy's works
Since Tuesday night, when the advance of
the 18th corps arrived in the vicinity Of
the town, our lines have been pushed
steadily forward. Several strong posi-.
items have been wrested by charges from
the enemy, and we have taken Is guns
and several hundred prisoners. Our ad.
vance is within half mile Of Petersburg
which is in full view Of almost the entire
inc.
Between 5 and o'clock yesterday
the enemy opened with heavy
artillery fire on our lines, enflading it
With batteries posted on our left and rem
lering an advance or occupation Of po-
'ition to the rear Immediately necessary.
Accordingly an advance Of the 2d and 18th
corps was ordered by Hancock, who, in the
absence of Meade, took command of both
corps The result was highly successful,
several lines Of the rebel works being car
led at the point of the bayonet and num-
Der of reboubts Of great strength occupied
md sixteen guns taken and turned upon
he enemy by the 18th corps. Col. Egan's
brigade, of Birney,s division, led the
harge of they2durcotps, and gallantly
lrove the enemy from his works, captur-
ng at the same time formidable redoubts,
nd with Dwight's and Gillis' batteries
slencing the artillery on our
eft. About l p. m., dispositions for
inal charge upon the enemy's were made.
1t this time, Col. Egan was severely If
lot seriously wounded in the spine, and the
ttack temporarily postponed. At six
''clock last night another charge was
made by the I'd corps and an advanced
ostion assumed and maintained. the line
hus occupied Immediately rendered Sc
ure by the construction Of earihworks.
1t this time it is impossible to ascertain
be extent of our losses, but 1900 will
rohahiv coyer fntsl casualties II is To