Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-09-02
FROM TIE ARNY or THE POrOMAC.

August 23--eveniug.
The enemy early yesterday morning disap-
peared from the front Of the jtb and 9th
corps on the Weldon railroad, and the belief
is that the attempt to regain possession Of
this important line Of communication has
been abandoned, and the enemy are certifying
their right flank to resist an attack from our
forces. They may. however, be preparing 30
make dash on our lines in some other di-
rectiOn.
Occasional firing has been going on along
the centre and was quite lively during the
night.
This morning occasional shots we're beard
The roads continue wet, making travel diff
cult.
Abont thirty rebels were brought in during
the night, principally South Carolnians, most
of whom claim to be deserters. This story,
however, was not believed, as the soldiers
from tha; State have furnished fewer desert
ers than any other in the confederacy. They
seem TO think the end Of the struggle is at
hand, and that Petersburg 3 almost within
our hands and will be or@ position at an
early day
There has been no engagement since Sun
day. Tn enemy have fallen back to their
lines, two miles from Petersburg, and are
busily erecting strong works, laboring night
and day with large number Of men, as
though they were afraid Of an attack before
they were completed. Their main line runs
near aud west Of the lead works on the south
side OF the rsilrcsd, which is said TO be
strongly defended. The rebel pickets extend
nearly mile south Of their works.
The Richmond papers acknowledge a heavy
loss Of officers and men on Sunday, but
claim to have taken 1900 prisoners Our
losses in the 9th corps were killed, Z Off
GERS and l22 men ;snissing, SO officers and
1853 men. The casualties 10 the 10 corps
we're about 800, making total loss Of 4.235
since Thursday last. Many Of the missing
will probably turn up. Crawford's division
was probably the heaviest loser, being about
1000, mostly prisoners. CO.. Tilden was
taken prisoner on Friday, and with others
was taken to Petersburg, bat managed to e.-
cape, reaching our linos Thursday morning
uninjured.
dug. 24-Gen. Wsrren advanced his lines
over mile along the railroad towards Pc
tersburgh yesterday, the rebels falling back
The frst division Of the 2d corps was engaged
all day yesterday in tearing up and burning
the railroad as far as Ream's Station. dis
tance Of about three miles All quiet this
morning except the usual picket firing.
Nine dessrters and number Of contra
bands came in last night The forme, want
to take the oath Of allegiance
ARMY OF the PoroMAo, !
Aug. 24-evening.
Everything was quiet to day, except the
usual cannonading on our right in front OF the
18th corps, which commenced at o'clock
this evening and continued for four hours.
Our left hne has been extended six or seven
miles. We now hold the line OF the Weldon
railroad securely to Ream's station, distence
ofseven miles. No rebels are seen on our lef,
front, their line having evidently been con-
tracted in this direction. The losses 10 the
5th corps on Friday and Saturday are COM
puted at about 5000 On Sunday this corps
is reported to have fought splendidly.
New YORK, Aug &c
The Worlds speci Washington dispatch
aays startling rumours are aAoat in reference
to the impending movement Of the rebel forces
IN Northern Virginia. l. is said that large
rebel column is moving down East of the Blue
Ridge and that Esrly, if he crosses the Poto-
mac at all, will cross near Edwards Ferry.
Certainly at some place below Point OF Rocks
and make a dash on the city.
The Times special dispatch, dated last
evening, says the right wing of Sheridan's
line, held by Wilson's cavalry division, were
this morning advanced and met the enemy
IN a severe engagement, which was continued
up to the time Of the departure of the train
from Harper's Ferry. The attack was made
in consequences of movements on the part Of
the enemy showing a design to cross the
Potomac by turning movement Of the right
wing OF Sheridan's position. Up to the last
adyices the action still continued
The Herald has the following:
NashUMe, dug. 24h,-Actiye operations
in this department await anticipated results
elsewhere. The Chattanooga Gazette OF the
23i reports the rebel Gen. Wheeler at Stew
arts Landing on the goth where he had at
tackled captured and murdered a colored gum
ner and nearly 800 white laborers. He de-
sroyed the camp and Al Wagons, killing
one white soldier and one white citizen.
Gen. Scammon who left Atlanta on the 22
reports Gen. Dodge still alive but dangerous
ly wounded.
The army is inactive.
NEW YORK, Aug. 90.
The New Orleans Era of the 10Th states
that everything was progressing favorably at
Mobile Our monitors and the ram Tennes-
see have been shelling Fort Morgan without
receiving eny response. Faragut is confident
of success 1t is stated that twelve or more
OF the Tecumsehs crew are saved.
Gen. Candy had a consultation with Para
gut on the llth.
CAIRO, Aug. 25.
New Oteans dates of the 18Th are received.
Farngut made reeonnoisance on the l4th,
to the distractions near Mobile, and found
the steamer Nashville sunk across the chan
mel, making Access to the city impossible I'M
til she was removed The rebel gunboat
Morgan came down during the reconnaissance,
and cannonaded our vessels from safe dis
tAnce. There are two ironclad rams aud sew
eral plated batteries near the city. Our bat
cries will open on Fort Morgan in few
days.
Admiral Farragut has issued a congratula-
tory address, returning thanks to the officers
and crews of he fleet for their gallant con
duct on the 5th inst. and Tor the implicit
confidence placed in him as their leader.
Two hundred Of the rebel prisoners taken
at Fort Gaines have pe,itoned to be allowed
to take the oath Of allegiance.
Gen. Candy has authorized Col. Dwight,
the commissioner OF exchankea to effect the