The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-12-10
ARMY OF THE JAMES.
Dislodgment of the Enemy
Opposite Dutch Gap.
ASSIGNMENT OF NEW BREVET
OFFICERS.

SUCCESSFUL AND NECESSARY EXPEDITION
In FRONT OF RICHMOND, December S.-Gone-
raj b. G. Ludlow did an exceedingly handsome
thing yesterday in occupying the Rebel position
opposite Dutch Gap. Its occupancy became de-
sirable and important in order to the putting of
the finishing strokes upon the famed canal. The
Rebel pickets stationed there have for long time
past constantly annoyed the soldier workmen on
the canal, and it was deemed highly necessary TO
make an end of the annoyance.
Accordingly, at 7 o'clock yesterday morning
body of cOlored infantry, accompanied by sec
tion Of artillery from Martins 9TH United States,
we're quietly but effectively moved on to the left
bank Of the river going down. l should have re-
marked that the infantry consisted OF detach-
ments from the 36lh, ll7th, and liSth United
States colored troops.
The infantry were moved across the river in
pontoOns, the artillery at the same moment keep
ing the Rebel shaTpshOoters from firing upon the
men launching the boats, as well as the men
about to be transported. The boats upon being
loaded pushed vigorously across the James, the
troops soon landing on the right bank.
Upon eflecNng landing, our forces at once
captured and scattered the Rebel pickets along
that bank. This was kept up until the United
States forces had reached point below the north
ern terminus of the canal, where a rile-pit was
thrown mp for protection against further assault.
The position now held by General Ludlow on
that side of the river is strong one and its such
cesSiul possession is no mean compliment TO the
spirit that animates this officer. The troops
crossing the river, IL is proper to state, were
manded, under General Ludlow, by Captain
HatliDger, of the Both United States Colored In
fantry. Soon after noon yesterday. the enemy's
mortar batteries, which have hitherto paid their
exclusive attention TO the canal, opened with
VigOr upon General LudloW's position, etiectng
no damage, however. Shortly before dusk on
the evening of the 7th, the Rebel rams moved
down TO point nearer the Hewlett House, evil
dently with view of precautionary measures.
Nothing has as yet been heard from them.
FORT BRADY.
Fort Brady received its usual harmless noe
turnal bombardment last evening.
ASSIGNMENT OF OFFICERS ri THEIR BREvRr
RANK.
The following named officers have been as.
signed 10 duty according to their breVet rank, by
Major General Butler, subject TO the approval of
the President, us followsi-
Brevet MajOT-General A. II. Terry, United
States Volunteers, to command the LIST Division,
oath Army Corps.
Breyet Brigadier-General ]. Jourdan, United
States Volunteers Colonel l5eth New York
VOlunteerS), to command the 4Gh Brigade, LIST
Division, 2ith Army Corps.
Brevet BrigadeT- General N. Nj. Curtis, United
States Volunteers Colonel 1920 New York Vol
unteers), to command the lst Brigade, I'd Diyi-
sion, 2ith Army Corps.
Breyet Brigadier- General S. A. Duncan, United
Statesl Volunteers Colonel Fourth United States
colorod troops), 20 command the I'd Brigade, lst
Division, 25th Army Corps.
Breyet Brigader. General A. g. Draper United
States Volunteers Colonel Both United States
colored troops), TO command the lst Brigade, Sd
Division, 25th Army Corps.