The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-06-14
ATTACK ON PETERSBURG.


ATTACK ON PETERSBURG
PETERSBURG, June 9.-Tbe enemy from three
to five thousand strong, under Gen Kantz, made
desperate attempt to capture the city to-day. The
enemy advanced in two columns, and after several
assaults upon our works at the southeast of the
city, in which they were repulsed, succeeded In
fanking our forces and causing them to retreat,
after fighting bravely. The Petersburg militia
sustained the brunt Of the first assault, behaving
like veterans losing six killed and thirty wounded,
among them of our best citizens. Reinforce
ments came up after the enemy had gotten almost
in the city, and drove them back. The Yankees
are now retreatng through Prince George.
FURTHER Observation-Disclosures June 10.
The enemy, 5000 strong, under Kantz, made a
desperate attempt to capture Petersburg yesterday
They advanced in two columns, and after several
assaults works southeast of the city, which
were repulsed, they succeeded in king about
2GO militia, causing them to retreat with the loss
of killed and 80 wounded, including some Of the
best citizens. The Yankees then advanced to the
suburbs, but at the opportune moment Graham's.
battery opened them from Reservoir Hill
Simultaneously bearings cavalry charged them,
when they wheeled and fed in great confusion.
The column advancing on the Blandford road
repulsed by Sturdevant's battery, which arrived in
time. Our roinforcements pursued the Yankees
seEeral miles. The residence of Timothy Rives
sacked and burnt and Rives carried off. Rev
VIM Hall, Chaplain Of the Washington Artillery,
also captured.
The Occupation Of Staunton, Va, BY the enc
my.-It is ascertained through official sources,
that the enemy advanced on Sunday from Port
Republic, by way of Mount Crawford, as fan as
New Hope Church, eleven or twelve miles from
Staunton, on the Valley road, where they were
met by force under Gen. VIM. f. Jones. An
engagement ensued, at an early stage Of which
Cen Jones was killed. His command" over
whelmed by superior numbers, was compelled to
fall back The enemy finding this obstruction
sequent period took possession of the town of
Staunton. After the death of Gen. Jones, the
command of our forces devolved on Gen. Vaughan.
All, or nearly all, the government stores had been
previously removed from Staunton. It is under
stood that the enemy were commanded by Gen.
Hunter and that Gen. Crook, who commanded the
late raid to New River Bridge, was with Hunter.
GRANTS STRENGTH We have received a
note, says the Richmond Examiner from person
in the city of Washington who has more than or
binary intelligence, and better means of arriving
at the truth than those through whom the news
from the enemys lines is generally received. We
think that the statements contained in it arc en-
tirely in accord with the actual facts
"MAY 30.-The Yankee army numbered $780,
900, cavalry and artillery included when it cross
ed the Rapidan. They lost 10000, killed, woun-
ded and missing, in the engagements terminating
at Sposylyania G. II. Reinforcements to the
number of 10000 have passed through Fredc-
rieksburg and by way of Port Royal This leaves
their army 10000 strong at the present time
The unanimous determination of Lincoln his Cab
met and the commanding Generals is to concen-
trate the whole available power of the United
States for the capture of Richmond. To this end
reinforcements will be sent for weeks to come
This information comes from the highest aut hori-
ty-General Meigs, the Quartermaster General Of
the United States
We repeat, this letter is an authentic statement
OF the enemy's intention and plan; also of the
force<now in front of Gen. Lee Since the battle
of Spotsylvania, Grant has lost considerably by
skirnishes, and very much larger number of
strasglcrs. But this loss has been fully replaced
by Butler The army engaged with Gen Lee
under no supposltion, can be considered less than
10000 effective men at the present time.
FROM GEN JoHNsToN's ARMY-Atlanta, Ga,
June lO.--The enemy developed in force in our
front yesterday at Ackworth and on our extreme
right, east of the railroad towards Roswell Par
tal skirmishiug during the afternoon in front of
Hoods corps. Prisoners report the bridge at Etc
wah rebuilt by the Yankees, and trains running to
Ackworth Sherman declines every effor. to bring
on general engagement outside Of his breast
works. Captured Yankees say he has instructions
not to risk general engagement.
Destruction Of u Yankee Soop and Capture
Of her Crev.-A detachment of the signal corps
made descent upon small Yankee sloop in the
western branch of the Elizabeth river several DAYS
since, surprising and capturing her crew of FIVE
men, aud completely destroying the vessel. The
sloop was Of seventeen and a half tons burtheu,
and was engaged in bedding oysters. The capture
was made in about six miles Of Portsmouth The
prisoners were carried to Petersburg and lodged