North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-18
A GALLANT RAID.
Sheridan at the G ates of the Rebel Capital.
EoFEIcIAL
WAsBINGroN, May l4-1l:4o Pm,
Mojor General Dig:

An official dispatch from General Sheridan
d. ted at Bottom bridge, via Fortress Mon
roc, May Is. states that On the 9th inst, he
marched aroqpl the enemy's right flank,
and on the evening of that day reached the
North Anna river, without opposition.
During the night he destroyed the cnemy's
depot at Beaver Dam, three large trains of
cars and one Hundred cars two fine locom9-
tives. two hundred thousand pounds of ba
con, and other stores, amounting in all to
about one million and half of rebel rations
also the telegraph and railroad track for
about ten miles, embracing several culyerts
recaptured three hundred and seyenty-eight
of our men, Including two colonies, one ma
jor, end several other officers.
On the morning of the 10Th he resumed
operations, crossing the South Anna at Grand
Squirrel bridge, and went into camp about
daylight.
On the 1lth he captured Ashland station
destroyed here one locomotive and a train of
cars, an engine house, and two or three gov
ernment buildings containing large amount
of stores also destroyed six miles of rail-
road, embracing six culverts, two tres tie
bridges, and the telegraph wire. About 7
A. NJ. of the llth he resumed the march on
Richmond.
He found the rebel General Stuart, with
his cavalry, concentrat ed at Yellow Tavern.
Immediately attacked him, and, after an OBJ
stinate contest, gained possession of the
Brockel turnpike, capturing two pieces of ar
tiery and driving his forces back toward
Ashland and across the north fork of the
Chick ahominy.
At the same time, party charged down
the Brock road and cap tured the first line of
the enemy's works aaound Richmond. Dur.
ing the night he marched the whole of 0s
the eDemys works on the bluffs overlooking
the line of the Virginia Central Railroad and
the Mechanicsyiie turnpike.
After demonstrating around the works
and finding them very strong, he gave up
the intention of asssulting, and determined
to recross the Ckckahominy at Meadow
bridge. 1t had been partially destroyed by
the enemy. but was repaired IN about three
hours under heavy artillery fire from reb-
ell battery. ...
General Merit: made the crossing, at.
tackled the enemy, drove him off handsomely,
the pursuit continuing as far as Gaines mills.
The enemy observing the recrSssing of the
| Chickahominy, came out from his second
line Of works. A brigade of infantry, and
large numbe. of diSmounted cavalry attack
ed the divisions Of Generals Gregg and VIII
son, but after severe contest, were repulsed,
and driven behind their works. Gregg and
Wilson's divisions, after collecting the wound
ed, recrossed the Chickahominy.
On the afternoon Of the l2h, the corps en-
camped at Walnut grove and Gaines mills
On the A. NJ. of the 18th yesterday the
march was resumed, and We crcamped at
Bottom bridge. The command is in fine
spirits. The loss Of horses will not exceed
one hundred.
All the wounded were brought off, except
about thirty cases Of mortal wounds, and
those were well cared for in the farrahou ses
of the country. The wounded will not ex.
ceed two hundred and fifty, and the total
loss not over three hundred and fifty.
The Virginia Central Railroad bridges
over the Chick ahomny and other trestle-
bridges-one sixty feet in length, one thirty
feet, one twenty feet, AMI the railroad for a
long distance south of the Chickahominy,
were destroyed.
MAY 15-12:30 A. NJ.
In dispatch this moment received from
Admiral Lee, he reports to the Secretary Of
the Navy that the Richmond papers Of yes
terdsy mention the death Of General E.
B. Stuart, shot in battle. This no doubt
happened in the battle with Sheridan.
EDWIN II. STANTON,