Daily national Republican. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1862-1866, 1864-10-31

From the Army Of the Potomac-Eurther
Particulars OF Rec ent tMoysments-Our
Lines Advanced Three Miles the
Left-The Enemy strongly Entrebch-
ed-A Night Assault OF the Enemy Re-
pulsed.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Oct.
20.-Tho late movements Of the army have re-
suited in extending our lines as far as Patcher's
run on the Duncan road, distance of about
three miles beyond our former position on the
left, and the discovery Of the exact position of
the enomy's lines, and the nature of the works
9. ected by them for their defence, as well as a
more complete knowledge OF the country be-
tween us and the Southsido railroad. 1t was
not supposed that the enemy had any very
strong works in this direction, and that BY a
surprise they might be driven 10 the inner lines
Of Petersburg, but the enemy were found not
only entrenched on both sides OF the Boynton
Plank Road, but having strong works on both
sides of the run extending several miles.
The I'd corps, in their charge on the Plank
road, drove the rebels from their works on the
south side of the run and acio5s the bridge, of
which they held possession until ordered to
withdraw. In the advance OF the 9TH corps,
they moved on the south side of the run, and
the road being very crooked in this vicinity, by
keeping close TO 1t there was gap between It's
left and the right OF the I'd corps. The enemy
took adv antage of this, and massng in the
woods, under cover, made n most determined
assault on the right OF the I'd division of the I'd
corps, evidently with the intention of captuE~
| ing the entire force on the right. Their charge
for very short time was a success, but our
men quickly rallied and charged in turn, driv-
ing the rebels back, cutting OIL the greater part
Of Anderson's brigade of Hrl's corps.
The number Of prisoners thus taken was
about 400, including many officers. Mean
time the 9th corps had reached the enemy's
works on their front and became hotly engaged.
The loss here was not so heavy as in the Cd
corps. Darkness approaching, and II being
deemed imprudent TO occupy so extended a
line, with strong works in irort and EXPOSED
TO flank attacks from cavalry, orders were
issued to withdraw about two mllCS-to the
advanced position now occupici-which was
done without loss. During the engagement
the enemy drove our Te1 from two of their
guns, but before they could be removed our
men charged and retook them. The loss of
the enemy cannot be stated, bat II is thought
10 be about the same as our own in kill 1 and
wounded, whilst their loss in prisoners Is mrc'
lager than ours. We took about 500 prisoners
during the day.
Gen. Grant and staf were present during the
entire day, and in company with Gen. Meade
| witnessed the various movements.
Il During Thursday night the rebels made an
assault on our works south OF where the mine
was sprung, but they were driven back with
+ considerable loss Near the same place party
from the LIST division of the I'd corps made
dash on rebel fort aud captured 1t, taking 0
G colonel, a major, cap ain, and lieutenant
4 with twenty men prisoners, and bringing OF
two guns.
Our picket line was advanced here for somt
distance, and our men still hold the new
ground. W. d. McGREGoR.