The Shasta courier., 1864-10-08

formidable than was at first supposed. A
perfect abatis held them at bay while the
rebel infantry literally moved them down
The forts we're surrounded by broad ditch
eight feet deep. into which some col3red
troops leaped, only to find themselves penned
in with no door Of retreat. The works had
no sally ports and were accessibly only BY
side OF the crest. This position we held till
night. when demonstration was made
against the works in front of the ditch in
which our men were cooped up, thus giving
them an opportunity to escape. Though an
advance up the road of from half to three:
quarters of a mile was accomplished, it cost
US dearly. The corps lost over 500 killed and
wounded.
At the time this was going on Kautz' s
cavalry dashed boldly up to very gates of
Richmond, which fact he reported to Butler,
who Immediately dispatched division Of
infantry to his support The division march
ed unresisted to within musket range of
Richmond. and probably might have marched
into rebel capital. though it is clear they
could not have held it. On arriving in su.
burbs of city they found that Kautz had
withdrawn. The division was then ordered
to retreat. Although our advance was check.
ed at Laurel Hill, the expedition has by no
means terminated
New York, 2d.-Herald's correspondent
with 18th corps gives following account of
part taken by them: Hickman s and Stan.
| nerds division crossed James at Aikens'
Landing, and marched a mile before they
come into contact with enemy. They showed
no desire to fight and fell back rapidly from
line and rife pits. When they reached
main line they showed resistance and opened
with sharpshooters and artillery of every
description. Immediately'in front of STAN
nerd. and commanding road, was large fort
mounting IL guns. Preparations were made
to storm it. When ready General Ord gave
sgnal. Our men rushed across field in face
Of artillery and musketry fire, and captured
the fort, guns and a number of prisoners.
General Ord was wounded Just as he enter
ed the fort. General Burnham was killed
just as he was about to enter. Hickman
took command ofcorps after Ord was wound
ed and made several desperate charges to
capture enem, 8 second line, but owing to
the fact that 10th corps and Payne's division
of 18th corps did not join US till noon, no
further successes were met with. % guns
were captured, nearly all heavy.
Herald's correspondent at Buffers head.
quarters, under date of 30th writes: Early
yesterday morning Butler had captured all
fortifcations, save one. Immediately opposite
Fort Darling We still hold them, notwith.
standing vigorous shellng by rebel rams
The fact that one of our hospitals was located
within 3miles of city, throughout yesterday,
is significant. 1t is reported rebels are
rushing reinforcements to their left by train
loads of Is to II cars each.
New York, 3d.-Herald has the following
account of the fight north of the James on
Friday, 30th: Three desperate attempts
were made by enemy to retake the works
captured from them on Thursday. General
Lee in person commanded, but rebels were
driven each time with considerable loss.-
Enemy were discovered at 2 P. NJ. massing
troops in woods directly opposite the fort
captured yesterday, and in half an hour they
charged with wild yelis and heavy column Of
attack. Rams at same time opened on our
position and our line was enfladed by fire
from rebel battery on river. The men, how
ever. steadily to their posts and received reb-
els with so hot, we'll directed and incessant a
| fire that they broke in confusion and raced
to the woods. Twice they rallied and re-
turned to the charge, but with the same re-
suit, until finally they broke and dispersed
and fell back in irremediable confusion,
leaving the ground covered with their dead
| anu WOuHueu. friSOnerS report over lUUU
killed and wounded. 300 prisoners taken.
including smany officers and greater part of
Sth North Carolina regiment.
Her}d's special, dated Martinsburg. Oct.
lst, says latest intelligence from Sheridan
left him making preparations to force rem
nant of Early's army from Browns Gap, in
the Blue Ridge. This was on the 27th.-
Early's position was believed to be a very
strong one. He doubtless intends to hold it
as protection to Gordonsville and Char
lotiesville as well as Lynchburg. There can
be little doubt of Sheridan's success, for Ear.
ly's army has lost heart and Browns Gap
will pro; another Bisher's Hill.
| Herald's 10th corps correspondent saw
rebel prisoners say Davis and Cabinet fed
from Richmond. Richmond:W only paper
published on 30th owing to the general i'm
pressment of arms bearers Lee is said to be
acting independent Of all instructions, and in
fact military Dictator of the rebellion. as his
retreat in direction Of Weldon Rairaad is
cut off, it is thought he will concentrate his
forces at Richmond and make life or death
struggle there.