Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-12-24
Successful Expedition in Virginia.
HEADQUARTERS Army PoToMAo, De

HEADQUARTERS ARMY POTOMAC, Dec. II.
The movements in this District, which have
been in course of execution the past few days,
have finally been developed. and now the OBJ
iects intended to be accomplished may be
given to the public as well as the results at
tanned.
It was known that the enemy were procur-
ing large supplies for their troops by way of
the Weldon railroad TO Stony Greek, whence
they were waggoned to Petersburg The cav
airy force sent there some 10 days ago not
being able to effectually stop the rebel opera
ton, the 9Th corps, with Gregg's cavalry and
the Sd division of the I'd corps were detailed
to effectually put stop to it by destroying
the railroad as far south as Hicksford, and if
possible that station also.
At daylight Wednesday the column started
thither on the Jerusalem road, the cavalry
taking the advance. On arriving at a point
l9 miles from Petersburg, they divergedfrom
the road about mile TO the right, where they
reached the Nottaway river, and the com
mand at once commenced crossing. They
bivouacked on this side for the night. At
half past Z a. IN. Thursday the pontoons were
taken up and the column started, leaving a
cavalry detachment to pick up stragglers and
return with them.
On reaching place two miles beyond Sus-
sex G. H., some cavalry were encountered
and driven back to where the Weldon rail-
road crosses the Nottoway. About noon a
small force of the enemy made a dash in be-
tween our cavalry and the advance of the in
fantry, but were soon routed with a slight
loss on both sides. Here cavalry man was
found who had evidently been wounded and
stripped of even his boots.
The advance then commenced the destruc-
ton of the railroad by burning the bridge
across the NOttoway, and continued on to
Jarrett's Station, bivOuacking at that place on
Thursday night On Friday morning an ear
ly start was made, and in the P N. the adj
vance reached a point near Hicksford,
where the enemy were found to be in force,
and having battery in position with strong
works on both sides of the Meherrin river.
After the position had been examined, an
attack was deemed impracticable, on account
of the strength of the works and the difficult
ty of approaching them, particularly with ar
tillery. 1t was determined to carry the line
of works on this side and destroy the depot,
which was successfully done. During this
charge. Col. Sargent, of the 1st Mass. is said
to have been killed. The troops were seen
moving into position at this point as though
they had just arrived, and the fire from the
rebel batteries soon after showed they had
been reinforced.
1t now got dark and began raining, snow
ing and freezing. The troops camped in the
vicinity for the night, and in the morning
started OH their return, reaching Sussex G.
H. and hating there. The rebel cavalry aud
a small body of their infantry followed and
endeavOred to annoy our rear guard, but
each time they we're driven back with loss.
This afternoon the NOttaway river was
reached, and the entire command crossed IN
safety, where they found part of the 9th
corps who had started to their aid in case of
an engagement. Tomorrow they will all be
back in their old position in front of Peters
burg.