The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-03-04
GEN. KILPATRICKS EXPEDITION.
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The Railroad Communication Between
General Lees Rebel Forces and
Richmond Successfully Cut.
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About Forty Miles Of Track
Destroyed.
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Two Valuable Railroads Rem
dered Useless.
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Reported Arrival Of the Forces at
the White House,
Ge.s Ae.s Ass
OUR SPECIAL DISPATCHES.

WASHINGTON March 8, 1864.
note from the Army of the Potomac dated al half
past nine O'Clock this morning. says that messengers
have come through from General fitzpatrick, whom they
LETT some ten miles to tho southwark OF Hanover juno
lion on Wednesday morning.
The command had most thoroughly and efioctualiy
destroyed the Virginia Central Railroad from Beaver
Dam to Hanover Junction, and tho Richmond and Fred
ericksburg Railroad from the Mattapony Bridge the
Pamunkey rverthe entire distance destroyed being
forty miles
There had been skirmishing during the advance,
but 1t was confined mostly to the right flank Of General
Kpatrick's command. As Wade Hampons rebel cavalry
known TO be occupying the country to the the
line Of march taken by cavalry, is probable that
his is the only rebel force that has been engaged
If the spoliaton upon the lines of the two roads is
complete represented, General Leo will be compelled
TO move his army from its present position to suhsst H.
for unless the rebels have facilities far greater any
possess for constructing railroads. will take them
least four repair the damages All reports
in estimating that at time has General Lees army
had larger supply than from six to ten days ratons
hand.
1t reported that General Fitzpatrick found the coun-
try through which he passed almost destitute Of food for
beast, aud, his troops In light marching
order hoping to mud enough at subsist on
been compelled to push forward with all possible speed
The rain storm Of Monday night and Tuesday had been
great drawback to his movements; but, has been
clear and cool for the past two days. u hoped that
this the command has arrived at point where II At
least obtain supplies.
THE RAILROADS DESTROYED AND THEIR
VALUE.
II Is statedin the foregoing dispatches that General
Fitzpatrick has succeeded in destroying the Virginia Cen
trial Railroad from Beaver Dam to Hanover Junction and
the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad from the
Mattapony bridge the Pamunkey river. The length Of
track destroyed estimated at forty miles, and cannot
easily be repaired.
The great value OF these railroads TO the rebels consists
their power Of transporting supplies 70 Lees army A.
Hanover Junction the two roads inerseot both leading
and from Richmond These roads destroyed for such
distance prevents supplies being sent from Richmond
direct by rail- and the turnpike roads at this time In
condition for the movement Of wagon tains. There
but railroad open for rebel and that leaves
Richmond the south. and connects at Lyncbburg With
the road from Charlottesville. BY this requires
two hundred and six miles to be travelled reach
Gordonsvle whereas by the destroyed the journey
only seventy six miles, little third ths
distance. II Iongstreet Is In Richmond, has been
stated he join Lee by this route and doubt
less General Fitzpatrick has by this time taken this
road shall not long remain Of value 81 trans.
portaton The distance from Gordonsvile 10 Copepper
is twenty six miles.