The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-12-13
THIRD EDITION
ARMY OF POTOMAC.
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GEN. WARREN'S EXPEDITION.
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It's Work and Safe Return.
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WELDON ROAD DESTROYED
AT MANY POINTS.
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HISTORY OF THE MOVEMENT,
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CAPTURE OF HIcKsFoRD.
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Rebel Works Taken by Storm.
ADDTUAT DbnK TN NhMD
HISTORY OF THE MOVEMENT,
CAPTURE OF HIcKsFoRD.
Rebel Works Taken by Storm.
ARRIVAL BACK IN CAMP,



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ur\DQUARrRRs Amy OF rHB POroWNc, De-
ccmbcr II, lSGi.-The movements in this Depart
ment which have been in the course of execution
the past few days, have probably been developed,
and now the objects intended to he accomplished
may be given to the public, as well as the results
attained.
It was known that the enemy were procuring
large supplies for their troops Ivy way of the
Weldon Railroad to Stony creek, whence they
they were conveyed to Petersburg. The cavalry
force sent there some ten days ago, not b,iug
able to cGGCtually stop their operations, tho 9Th
Corps with Gregg's Cavalry and the 3d Diyi-
sion Of the ID Corps were detailed TO eheetnally
put stop to it by destroying the railroad rs far
south at Iliskslord, and If possible that>stui3n
also.
At daylight ON wednesday morning, the
column started south on the Jerusalem road the
cavalry taking the advance. On arriving at a
point nineteen miles from Petersburg, they dl-
vergcd from the road about mile to the sht,
when they reached the NOttoway rycr and the
command at once commenced crossing, and then
bivouackcd on the south side for the night.
At 73O on Thursday morning the pontoons
were taken up and the column started, leaving a
cavalry detachment TO pick up strag@lers and
return with them. on Toachiug point two miles
beyond Sussex Court HOusc, some cavalry we're
encountered, and were driven back to where the
Weldon Railroad crosses the Nottogay.
About noon a small force Of the enemy moio
a dash in between our cavalry and the alytico
OF the Infantry, but were soon routed, with slish
loss on both sides. Here Cayllryman was f0und
who had evidently been murdered, and stripped
of everything, even 10 his boots.
The advance then commenced the destruction
the railroad by burning the bridge across tho
Nottoway, and continued to Jlrrol's station,
bivou.ching at that place ON Thursday ni5hJ On
Friday morning an early start was made, and in
the afternoon the advance reached point near
Hicksflld, where the enemy were found TO be in
some force, and having a battery in position with
strong works on both sides of the MChsruiu river,
Aner deposition had been examined an attack
was deemed imprac.ica5ie, on account OF the
strength OF the works and the dm3ulsy of ap-
preaching them, particularly with artillery.
Therefore il was determined to carry the line Of
works on this side and destroy the depot, which
was successfully done. Daring this charge,
Color Sergeant Coles of the lsJ Massachusetts, is
said TO have been killed.
Troops were seen moving in position M this
point, rs though they had just arrived, and the
ire from the batteries soon after showed that
they had been reinforced. II now got dark aud
began raining, showing, and freezing.
The troops camped in the vicinity for the night,
and in the morning started their return, reach
ing Sussex Court House aud hating there on
on Saturday night The enemy's cavalry ana a
small body of infantry followed and endeavored
10 annoy the rear. guard, bus each time were
driven back with loss.
This afternoon the Nottaway river was reached
and The entire command crossed in safety, where
they found a part of the Ninth Corps, who had
startC to their aid in case OF an engagement.
Tomorrow they will be all back in their old
position in front Of Petersburg ready for the
next move against the enemy in whatever direc-
ton the Commander-ln-chlef may deem most
eGecual. The move may he considered as one
of the most successful of the campaign, and re-
fleets honor not only on the originator, but on
those TO whom it. execution was intru,ted
A most effective blow has oeen dealt the enemy
by the destruction OF some fifteen miles Of rail
road, which they were using extensively, some
hundred cars passing over it every day, loaded
with supplies. the track was torn up, tue ties
piled in heaps with dry wood f.om the adjacent
fences, and set on fire, With the rails on top, the
heat lending and twisting them 10 every shape.
All the depOts along the route were burned, al
wen as numerous mills, barns, and dwellings,
fIom which the occupants had hsd or from the
cover of which guerillds had fired oa our troops.
One was caught with gun near where a shot
bad just been fired, and il is said the troops huug
him near the Noaoway river. Our loss in che
entire rip will lot exceed 40 or so ia killed aud
wounded, besides a few sTaggler5, who were
captured.
The severity Of the weather was the principal
difficulty we had to encounter, but as thar0 was
much wood on the line Of march, and plenty Of
work for them t. do, they managed To keeo tlen
selves from suffering. Nothing has transpired ia
fIont Of Petersburg to-day ofinterest.
The weather has changed, and cold wind
storm prevails.