The Portland daily press., 1864-05-16
BY TELECRAPH
TOTBE
Portland Daily Press.
FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

| Destruction of Railroads, Depofs, Trains and
| supplies Jy Gen. Sheridan-Lee railing
WASHINGTON, May I'LL 4OP PM.
To MAJ. Gen. Die An official dispatch
from Gen. Sheridan, dated Bottoms Creek
via Fortress Monroe, 18th, states that on the
9th he marched around the enemys right
flank, and in the evening of that day reached
North Anna river Without opposition. Dur
ing that night he destroyed the enemy's de-
, pot at Beaver Dam, three large trains OF 100
cars, two fine locomotives, 100000 pounds ba-
con, and other stores, amounting to 100000
rations; also telegraph, railroad track for
about ten miles, embracing several cuiverts,
and recaptnred 3lS of our men. including two
colonies, one major general, and several other
officers. On the morning of the 10th he re-
sumed operations, crossing South Anna river
at Grand Squirrel bridge, and went into camp
About daylight on the 18th he captured Ash
land Station, destroyed one locomotive train.
Of ears, engine house, two or three Govern
ment buildings containing large amounts of
supplies, and six miles railroad, embracing
culverts, two treste bridges and telegraph
wires. About A. M. resumed the march on
Richmond. Found the rebel Gen. Stuart con-
centrating at Yellow Tavern. Immediately at
tackled him. and after an obstinate combat
gained possession OF Brockie turnpike, captur-
ing two pieces artillery, and driving his force
fork Of the Chickahominy, distance of four
miles. At the same time party charged
down Brockle road and captured the first line
of the enemy's works around Richmond.
During the night he marched the whole OF
his force between the first and second lines of
the enemy's works on the Bluffs overlooking
the line of the Virginia Central railrc ad aud
Mechancsville turnpike. After demonstrate
ing on the works and finding them very strong
ha In inta ,fa
and determined to recross the Chickahominy
at Meadow bridge. 1t had been partially de-
stroyed by the enemy, but was repaired in
about three hours under heavy artillery fire
from rebel battery. Gen. Merritt made
crossing, attacked the enemy. and drove him
of handsomely, pursuit continuing as far as
Gaines Mills. The enemy observing the re-
crossing Of the Chickahomiuy, came out from
his second line of works. A brigade of in
fantry and a large number of dismounted cav
airy attacked the divisions of Gen. Gregg ard
Wilson, and after a severe contest was re-
pulsed and driven behind their works. Gems.
Gregg and Wilson, after collecting their
wounded, recrossed the river. On the after
noon OF the 18th the corps encamped at Wal
nut Gorge and Gaines Mills. On morning of
the 18Th the march was resumed and en-
camped at Bottom bridge. The command is
in fine spirits. Loss in horses will not exc ed
100. All wounded were brought off, except
thirty cases of mortal wounded these were
well cared for in the farm houses of the coun-
ty. The wounded will not exceed $50: total
loss not over $50. The Virginia Central rail
road bridges over the Chickahominy and 9th
er trustle bridges one sixty feet long. one thir-
ty feet, one twenty feet, and a railroad for
long distance north of the Chickahominy were
destroyed
(Signed) EDWIN NJ. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
WASHINGTON, May 10.
To Major Gen. DiI.-Despatches from Gen.
Grant, dated yesterday evening at @ o'clock,
have reached this Department. The advance
OF Gen. Hancock yesterday developed the fact
that the enemy had fallen back four miles
There was no engagement yesterday.
A dispatch has just been received from Gen.
Sherman, dated near Resaca, May IA. 1t is
stated that by the flank movement on Resaca,
Johnston has been forced to evacuate Dalton,
and our forces were in his rear and flank.
The weather was fine and the troops were
in good order. All Is working well and as far
ana as fast as possible. Our wounded are
coming in from Belle Plain as fast as trans
ports can bring them. Gen. Grants army is
well supplied.
(Signed) Z. NJ. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
WASHINGTON, May 15-9 A. NJ.
To Major Gen. Dir.-An official dispatch
from the battlefield at Spoitsylyania yester-
day morning at $50 states that during the
proceeding night friday movement was
made by the 9Th and 9th corps TO our left, aud
an attack was TO have been made at daylight.
but no sound of battle has been heard from
that quarter. This maneuvre, it is said, ii
successful would place our forces in Lees
rear, and compel him to retreat towards
Lynchburg No cannon, or any sound of bat
tie was heard yesterday at Belle Plain or
Fredericksburg, which afford ground for ia
ference that Lee had reireated during Friday
night. and before the advance OF the 9Th and
9th corps.
Nothing later than A. NJ. of yesterday has
been received from the army by this depart
ment. All the wounded that had reached
Belle Plain yesterday evening have arrived
here. The Surgical report from the head
quarters OF the army states that the condition
of the supplies is satisfactory, and the suffer-
ers are doing well. The Medical Director at
Belle Plain reports everything at that point
as satisfactory. The gical arrangements
have never been so complete as now.
Gen. Sheridan's command had reached the
left bank Of Turkey Island at 3 o'clock yes
terday afternoon. and have formed their juno
ton with the forces of General Butler.
(Signed) EDWIN NJ. STANTON.
Secretary of War.