Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-06-02
FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
Particulars of the Flank Movement-The
Crossing of the ePamunkey-Cavalry Fight
with FitZhpsh Lee.

Particulars of the Flank Movement-The
Crossing of the ePamunkey-Cavalry Fight
with FitZhpsh Lee.
IAssociated Press Correspondence.
OLD CHURCH TAVERN, Va, May 80, via
Washington, June I've have again flanked
the enemy. Our forces were withdrawn to the
day and Friday. General Sheridan, with Tor
belts and G Regis divisions Of cavalry. marched
all night. and on Thursday morning the fords
on the Pamunkpy were in our possession.
At Dabney's Ferry, BAKERS North Carolina
brigade opposed our advance, and resisted us
when we laid our pontoon bridge. Generals
off to Hanover Court House. killing many and
capturing large number Of prisoners.
The 9th corps was soon at our heels. Then
came the I'd, 5th and 9Th. Lee was doomed to
would not serve him. Grant was found on his
right flank, and he must away to Richmond.
On Saturday morning Gregg's division Of
cavalry was fired into near Hawess Shop
Davies's brigade was in the advance. The
woods seemed alive with the rebels, and soon
began to resound with sharp volleys from our
brigade was fighting in earnest. Colonel Gregg
was ordered to Davies's support, and the re-
mainder OF the division were hotiy engaged.
FitZhugh Lee commanded the rebels in person,
sisted by brigade Of mounted fire eaters from
South Carolina, commanded by Col. Butler.
These men had just arrived from the seaboard,
and they admit the warmth Of the reception
our troops gave them.
Conspicuous in the battle were the 4th, 18th
and 10th Pennsylvania, the 1st New Jersey,
9th Ohio and 1st Massachusetts regiments. For
long time these men held Fitzhugh back, and
an our eavalrymen engaged behaved with
strongly entrenched in this woods, with heavy
guns In position, but with every ad vantage
upon their side, they were badly beaten, and
sent flying from the field in great confusion,
leaving their dead and wounded in our hands,
and over 100 prisoners
Gen. Gregg maintained the unequal contest
Custer came up and formed his SO quadrons into
line and charged the enemy works. Gen.
Gregg's command advanced at the same time
with a cheer. Manv brave fellow fell in this
daring assault, but the works were ours and
soon not an armed rebel could be found for
three miles.
The l3ih and 10th Pennsylvania, and the 5th
much credit cannot be given to this brigade,
which fought with unprecedented calmness
amid ami the storm Of grape and canister. Our
loss will amount to $50 killed and wounded and
missing. The rebels used grape and canister
pIentiiully.
Our infantry were all up the same evening,
and long strong lines OF Notifications were
erected, go that if Lee should attempt to cross
our path we were prepared. He did not, how.
ever, and next morning our newly made breast.
works were aban ndoned, and the column moved
on toward Richmond.
On Monday, the 3Oth, Major Deoland had two
squadrons Of the 18th Pennsylvania cavalry on
picket duty. He held the road leading from
Gold Harbor to Old Church Tavern. About
noon his pickets were driven in, and the enemy
appeared in heavy force. Col. Deems sent the
9th and 9th New York regiments to reinforce
Major Deoland, when a heavy engagement
ensued. John Auglin. quartermaster Of the
18th Pennsylvania, was killed, while fighting
in the skirmish line.
Gen Merritt soon arrived with his brigade,
and battery OF brass Napoleons were trained
on the rebels and opened fire. The 9th Pa. was
sent in on the left of the line, and charged the
rebel flank. Here Capt. Seiper was wounded
and Lieutenant Martin killed Gen. Custer
ne1tentered and a general charge was ordered,
when the rebels were swept from our sight.
They fed, leaving large number of their
dead and wounded on the field. Lieutenant
Blunt Of the 9th New York, and Captain Tice
of the 18th Pennsylvania, were wounded.
FitZhugh Lee was bafied and foiled in his
efforts to stop our communication with the
White House.
Our advance is now (MOnday) near Mechan.
icsville. On the left Warren was using his
cannon freely all day. He drove in the rebel
picket lines about four miles.
Lees army occupy the trenches about Mea.
dow and Bottom bridges.
To day our communication with the White
House was opened. The Pamunkey is full Of
transports and gunboats. We expect General
Smith to join us with his command in two
days. General Hancock made one OF his
mighty efforts last night about dark to relieve
Warren who had been slightly pressed during
the afternoon. Our loss. 30 far, has been very
trifing.
The Siege Of Richmond has begun.