Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-08-24
Another Desperate Battle ON the
Weldon RailrOad--We Hold Our
Own-.Lnrgc Number of. Rebels
Surrender.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac,
Aug. q, evening.-This morning the enemy
made vigorous attack on the Fifth scorps
on the left of the Weldon railroad, at the
same place where they were partially sue
cessful Friday; but to-day they met with a
different reception. Our line was formed
about the same time as it was on that day,
the first division being on the extreme left,
connecting with the cavalry which covered
the railroad toward Ream's Station. The
Second division was next to Cutters; the
Fourth division was across the railroad,
and the Third division, Crawford's, on the
right, joining with the Ninth corps, which
connected the right with the left, near Je-
rusalem plank road. During Saturday our
men had strengthened the breastworks
which they had temporarily erected, be-
sides throwing up others.
Early this morning very heavy cannon
aiding was opened by the enemy from their
works further down toward Petersburg, and
however, doing particular damage. About
Am, force of the enemy were seen
moving as if to make an attack on the 9th
corps, but few we'll directed shells sent
them out of sight. Shortly after a column
of rebels emerged from the woods on the
left of the railroad, and forming in line
charged on what they thought our left
flank, but which proved to be the left of
Gen. Ayers front. The rebels advanced in
fine style and with the utmost confidence,
evidently thinking the work before them
easy; but what was their surprise on
discovering second line behind and
extending. to the left of the first,
from which row of bayonets glistened,
with battery on the left and one on the
right pouring fire into their ranks, every
discharge causing large vacancies In their
line. As soon as they discovered the criti-
cal position in which they were placed, the
entire command made signs to indicate
their Willingness to surrender, and the or
der to cease firing passed along the breast
works. But as soon as they discovered this,
large portion of them broke and started
for the woods, the remainder coming in and
surrendering. Our batteries sent several
messengers after the remaining party, many
of whom fell.
The troops who made this charge con-
sisted of the rebel divisions of Hooke and
Bushrod johnson, of Gen. Hills corps, and
were principally South Carolinians and
Mississippians. Among the prisoners are
one Colonel, three Lieutenant Colonels,
and fifty-seven Captains and Lieutenants.
Our loss in killed and wounded is about
one hundred and fifty, while nearly one
hundred were taken prisoners on the skir-
mish line. The rebel loss is believed to be
five or six hundred killed and wounded.
The number of rebel prisoners taken is
about three hundred and seventy-five, be-
sides twenty-five wounded who are in hos
pitals. Gen. Hagood commanded the as
saulting column, and not Capt. DAILY, of
Gen. Cntler's staff. Gen. HagOod was seen
to fall from his horse and is believed to be
killed. His body lies between the lines,
and is covered by sharpshooters from both
sides, so that neither can get possession Of
it. Prisoners also report him killed.
We took five sets of colors, and some say
one more. The Third Delaware took two
and the Seventy-sixth New York one.
Three of the colors are entirely new, while
the others are much dilapidated.
In the fight on Friday our loss In prison.
ers Is believed to be larger than heretofore
reported. The Ninetieth Pennsylvania was
more than half taken, as was the case in
fact with all the regiments of the brigade.
The 10th New York lost every officer on
the field, and can muster but comparative
ly few men for duty. Had these troops
held their position or changed their front,
as some did, they could nearly all have
saved themselves and given the enemy a
sound thrashing; but being told they were
fianked, they started for The rear and fell
into the arms of the rebels.
Col. Wheeler, with the I'd brigade of the
Sd division, changed his front toward the
rear, and forming In line of battle with
skirmishers thrown out, advanced TO see
where tho enemy were, and reached our
.