Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1864-05-20
FROM sHERIn4N,s CAVALRY.

Washington, May 14-ll 40 P. Mo MAJ.
Gen. DiG: An official dispatch from Gen. Sher-
idan, dated Bottom Bridge, via Fortress Monroe,
May 18th, states that on the 9Th inst. he marched
around the enemy s right flank and on the eve
ming of that day reached the North Ann River
without opposition. During that night he des-
troyed the enemy's depot at Beaver Dam, three
large trains of cars, two fine locomotives 100000
pounds of bacon and other stores amounting in
all to one million and half of rebel rations; al
SO the telegraph and railroad track for about ten
miles, embracing several culverts and recaptur-
ing 376 ofour men, including two Colonels, one
Major aud several other officers.
On the morning of the 9th he resumed oper-
atiOns, crossing the South Anna at Squirrel
Bridge aud went into camp about daylight.
On the IIth he captured Ashland station des-
troyed here one locomotive, and train of cars,
| an engine house and two or three government
buildings containing large amount of stores,
several miles of road, embracing six culverts,
trestle bridges and the telegraph wires.
About o'clock A. NJ. of the llth he resumed
his march OH Richmond He found the rebel
General Stewart with his cavalry concentrated
at Yellow Tavern. He Immediately attacked
him, and after an obstinate contest, gained pos
session of the Brock Turnpike, capturing two
pieces of artillery, and driving his forces back
toward Ashland acrOsss the north fork of the
Chickahorniuy. At the same time a party
charged down the Brock road and captured the
first line of the enemys works around Rich
mond.
During the night he marched the whole of
his command between the first and SECOND line
of the enemy's works on the bluffs overlooking
the line of the Virginia Central Railroad, and
the Mechancsville Turnpike. After demon
strating around the works, and finding them
very strong, he gave up the intention of assault
ing, and determined to recrOss the Chickanom-
my at Meadow Bridge. 1t had been partially
destroyed by the emmy, but was repaired in
about three hours under heavy artillery fire
from a rebel battery.
Gen. Merritt made the CROSSING attacked the
enemy, and drove him off handsomely, the pur-
suit continuing as far as Gaines Mills. The
enemy observing the recrossing of the Chioka-
hominy came out from behind his second line
of works.
brigade of infantry and a large number of
dismounted men attacked the divisions of Gem
erals Gregg and Wilson, but after severe con-
test were repulsed and driven behind their
works.
Greggs and Wilson's divisions, after collect
ing their wounded, recrossed the Chickahominy
on the afternoon of the 10Th. The corps en-
camped at Walnut Grove and Gaines Mills.
On the forenoon of the 18th, the march was
! resumed ana they encanlped at Bottom brldge.
The command is in fine spirits. The loss of life
will not exceed one hundred. All the wound
ed were brought off, except about thirty cases OF
| mortal wounds, and these were well cared for
| in the farm houses of the country. The wound
| ed will not exceed two hundred and fifty and
the total losses is not oyer three hundred and
! fifty. The Virginia Central Railroad bridges
over the Chickahominy and other trestle bridg-
es l60 feet in length, and the railroad for long
! distance south of fChickahOminy were destroyed.
Great praise is given 10 the division command
ers, Generals Gregg, Wilson and Merritt, and
| Generals Custer and Davis, Colonels Gregg,
4 Chapman, Mcintosh, and Gibbs brigade com
manders, and all the officers and men behaved
splendidly. Z, M. STANTON,
Fort Monroe, May I5.-Gen. Sheridan arrived
at James river yesterday afternoon. He had
heavy fights and was very successful. He got
| inside the rebel works around Richmond, and
could have taken the city, but was ignorant OF
Buffers position. He took 5000 prisoners
| Sheridan reports Jeb Stuart mortallE wounded.
Sheridan destroyed million ratipns and other
stores rolling stock, de-, amounting to ten mill
ion dollars.