The New York herald., 1864-08-16
AFFAIRS AT DEEP BOTTOM.
Mr. VIM. II. Merriam's Dispatches
DEEP BOTTOM, soUrH SIDE JANIS RIVER, Va. i,

Mr.. VIM. II. Merriam's Dispatches.
DEEP BorroM sourH SIDE JANIS RIVER, VAL
August 13-EveniDg J
There is every indication hereabouts that tho enemy
will hear from the United States iorces stationed the
north bank or the James at this point within the
suing twenty hours II prediction proves true,
the enemy will have ample occasion to feel the weight
OF the power OF the United States doubtless
beneath Il.
DFEr Bor1ox, August ASA NJ
The ball has opened for the possession Of position
essential TO our further operations.
Al about two O'Clock the afternoon Of the Moni.
opened the after dropping down the river.
and did some excellent execution.
PoISr Rocks, Va. August 49, m.
My brief despatch OF yesterday evening foreshadowed
the sharp contest between the rebel aud art
lery that opened II written, and the mail
leaving, giving time to verify its statements.
herewith transmit full account OF the engagement not
overlooking by permission the that immediately
led 10 IL.
A CANAL scHSsE.
For some tme past Major General Butler has been
coming brilliant sch whcrewith TO annoy The
enemy, and advance tho Union interest In this region
materially. His plan contemplated nothing less than the
construction Of canal at what has been hitherto known
as Dutch Gaphereafter to be known Buffers Gapin
among other results by Of its situation compel
the rebels 20 extend their line OF defence dis
tauce OF four miles-that s 10 say, the distance
saved by the digging OF the canal which 70 bo
one hundred and forty yards In length, miles OF
water course the James river. Some four days since
the proper details Of and officers made for this
important and hazardous work. and these
couraQed 10 lie performance BY extra Inducements and
placed under the general command Of Major Ludlow OF
the departmental s,a The proceeded Handsomely
for three days. dr ing the last Of which the enemy dis
covered our operations and made instant preparation
onen 6re which the result will show to have been ad
vnntagcous one for them though ludlow noby and
cessfuy held his position. still holds It, and will
time 10 hold Il until hs appointed work Is accomplished
rr AprrAR,Scx oY
Al five O'Clock yesterday morning two rebel rams,
believed 10 be the Virginia and the Richmond, though
some think one OF them the Lady DAVIS, appeared at
mitch Gan IN the James river The James AT this point
forms prooop,ory which Is very narrow at It's apex.
Tho shane Of this pr,montory In the form OF long
tongue. and vere,pr 10 the norhward and westward,
.nakos another turn which point similar TO the
frst by north. Hence the river oends yes AGAIN,
and forms third angle running northwest. Under cover
OF this angle completely and literally sheltered from our
eun6oats lay the TIVE rebel rams Tneir position was
such as taken In connection with the Hewlett House
battery OF enemy subject our forces 70 severe
ennadng nrc which throughout the day with
manly fortitude by
OUR ADVANTAGES POSITION
II one OF our advantages Of the day 70 naugurae
and keep up cross Hrc. which made TO bear most
heavily upon tho enemy artillery having sxcellsns