The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1864-08-26
The Movement Against Richmond.
Some Fighting about Petersburg! i!
Our Loss Three Thousand in One Dov
Headquarters Army of the Potomac, J

Headquarters Army the Potomac, J
Aug. 1S-evening.
This morning, at O'Clock, the 5.h
Corps started on an expedition to cut the
Weldon Railroad at Rains Station, taking
four days ra,ions. This corps was with,
drawn from the left front some days ago,
and has been in reserve since They
reached the railroad about O'Clock, and
the 1st Division, being in the advance.
had sklrmish with force of the enemy
stationed there to protect the road. They
fell back rapidly, however, and the loss
on either side was light Af,e, placing
the troops in line to meet any attack
which mi ght be made, the work of tearing
up the track WAS commenced, aud prose
cuted with vigor for several hours; but
ABOUT noon they we're interrupted a, theil
labor by the appearance of the enemy,
who were advancing along the railroad
from Petersburg in line Of battle. They
proved to be HIPS corps, which bad been
lying In reserve for the past few days,
and advanced at double quick as soon as
they became aware of our intention. The
ID Division, Gen. Ayers commanding,
held the advance on the river, the 81 and
4th Divisions supporting on the right,
while the 1st Division was placed to cover
the left and prevent any surprise from
That direction. The attack on the "a
Division was very determined, but our
men met 1t gallantly, driving the rebels
back IN handsome style with heavy loss.
After repeated attempts to force our lines
the rebels finally, after two hours hard
lighting, gave up the idea and fell back
some distance, keeping up fire all the
afternoon from their batteries and skir-
mishers. The 18Th New York Heavy
Artillery particularly distinguished itself
in this engagement. The commander was
severel y wounded across the back.
The movement was complete surprise
to the enemy, the rebel pickets stationed
in the vicinity being so astonished that
they had barely time to escape. Some few
prisoners were taken, several of whom
were wounded.
The track is torn up for over a mile.
Our troops aiil hold the position at dark
tonight, and Tomorrow they will CONS
pletely destroy the ties and rails of the
railroad, unless the rebels shall visit the
neigh borhood in too strong force
The loss on our side is about 800, ,amoup
whom is Lieut.. Col. Pierson, 39ih Mss.a-
chusetts.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac, J
Aug. 20-6 a. NJ.
Yesterday was the quie,est day we
have had in front of Petersburg for a
month, scarcely shot being heard the
entire day.
On the Weldon road, where Gen. War
ren's corps has taken position, consider
able skl.mlnishihg, with occasional dis
charges OF artillery, occurred, but nothing
resembling an engagement took place.
In the afternoon the enemy moved force
from near Petersburg towards our left,
and made an attempt to force our line
near the Jerusalem read, but, finding the
road was not so easy rs they anticipated,
abandoned it. They took few prisoners,
however, before they fell back. The mum.
Der of casualties in the 5lh corps on
Thursday was about 45O.
J About midnight some batteries in front
of the 18th Corps opened,s and also on
the left sharp engagement was kept up
for several hours. The result, so fan az
could be ascertained, was nobody injured
AT this hour not gun can be heard
The roads are becoming bad in consequence
Of the rain which has faler. during the
present week, and still continues
New York, Arg. 81.
The Sunday Herald's dispatch states
that the recent movement leaves onIy the
Danvilie Road over which the rebels can
obtain supplies for their army and Rich
mond.
Washington, Aug %.
Details Of the fight on Saturday for the
, possession of the Weldon Railroad, south
of Petersburg, are at hand. 1t was q
severe contest. and a, frst our force. we're
worsted; but subsequently, being rein
forced, we reganed ard now hold the
Weldon Road. Our losses foot up 8 600
} half of this number being taken prison
ers.
The 81 Corps is reported 10 hare sue
cessfuly recrossed the James River or
Saturday night, thereby mystifying ,ht
rebels good deal.
The 9th Corps maintain possession o
the Weldon Railroad, and have erected
such works as to make :he situation i'm
pregnable- They most efectually de
stroyed the road for some miles on frs,
striking the road, but it is now though
that, having secured a fortified positio,
there. we shall occupy the ground per
manently, and keep the road destroyed
The line held by the 5.h Corps now form
our extreme Ieh, the 9th Cops having
swung round and formed junction will
the 5,b.
! yesterday morning heavy firing wa
heard from that direction result. no
3 known.
The work on the Dutch Gap Canal pro
2 pressas actor;IS