The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-12-30

GEN. BURBRmGEs' EXPEDITION.
Capture of Trains, Engines and
Stores. q IL .e
Destruction Of Bridges, Iron
Works, &c. 2 iaa
DEFEAT OF GEN. BRE0KIER1DeE.


'i a 1855 WASHINGTON, Dec. 20.
The following report OF Gen. Burbridge's
operations have been received: 3on7 +
CatLetsburg, KY, Dec. PSI have the honor
70 report that my mounted force 400 strong, I'D
conjunction with Gen. Giilens' brigade, the
whole under command of Gen. SLOVENIAN
marched from Beams Station on the l2tn Inst,
at daylight They met Dukes brigade NJ King
port, where he was drawn up 70 oppose the
crossing of HoIston river. l sent two regl-
ments TO support Gen. Gillen who fanked the
enemy, routing them and killing, wounding
and capturing 100 rebels, and taking their
wagon train. They were pursued to Bristol,
which place was attacked at three O'Clock In
the morning and captured with twenty-five
prisoners, two trains of cars, i've engines,
and immense quantities of stores. sa
learned that Vaughan was at Zollicoffer,
twelve miles below, and marched to attack
him, but he slipped away In dense fog, and
made for the salt works. / discovered his
fight In time to head him off at Abingdon
which place captured on the night Of the
l4th, taking one gun, large amount of stores,
and one engine with rolling stock. Gen. Gil
len continued his pursuit OF Vaughan, coming
up with and driving him from strong
position, and capturing fifty prisoners. Z. '.-s,
sent Col. Browns brigade to the support
OF Gen. Glllen, who again came upon the
enemy at Mount Airy, and drove him IN con-
fusion, capturing some prisoners, seven piece
Of cannon, and q large wagon train. liaw sos
COL Brown with his brigade later In the
day, charged the home guards at Wythesyille,
capturing five pieces of cannon, and eight
cass'ons.
Maj. Harrison Of the 18th KY, who had
been detached by order Of Gen, Stoneman
with 300 picked men and horses, struck the
Virginia railroad on the 10th, near Glades
Spring, cutting it and capturing two trains OF
cars. He then got in VaUghans front, and
continued along the line of road, destroying
ah the bridges, and depots as far as Wythes-
Vile, and large amount Of rolling stock, and
the great iron works near Macon.
Ia Col, Brown destroyed the bridges for ten
miles above Wythesyille, when the expedition
started on Its return, the men and horses be-
ing nearly worn out came on Breckenridge
who was following, and an engagement Of
thirty six hours ensued, at the close Of which
Breckenridge reiterated towards Saltyile, but
Col. Buckley with his brigade having got In
his rear, forced him In confusion towards
North Carolina go y u ssss
= Col Buckley efectnally destroyed the lead
mills near Wythesville on the night of the 10th.
After some resistance our united forces cap
fnred the salt works and eight pieces of can
non. .QashaaH ssAa4 asa Is 9t4a4s9 ~ !.
Inc expedition was entirely successful, and
will be more felt by the enemy than the loss
of Richmond. m3sl ssl1saga assd eel s. -
The salt works and lead mines are in ruins,
and cannot be repaired during the war. My
forces are now at this place and safe.s .ioief
as (Signedl s. z. BURBRIDeE, oa.i4
~ 1910 20 shsms4 Brevet Maj. General.
AT q