Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-05-26
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
ASSOCIATED PRESS DIsPATCHEs]
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
The Enemy Crossing the South Anna-The
Union Forces in Close Firing
Heard at Port Roy oyal-Successful Cavalry
EYneditian

Expedition.
[Correspon dence Of the Associated Press
HEADQUARTERS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
May 23-The advance OF the army reached the
North Anna yesterday forenoon, the 5ta corps
arriving by the telegraph road from Quincy s
Station, along which they had followed the en-
emy for several miles, skirmshing at different
points, and capturing number of prisoners.
Ewell's corps were in the rear of the retreat
ing foe, and when they got to the North Anna
they took position behind earthworks on both
sides of The river. The I'd corps having had
the advance on the Bo wiling Green road, re-.
manned at Milford on the 22d, and az o. m.
yesterday came up and took position on the
left Of the I'd corps, reaching the railroad. On
examination il was found the enemy held a
strong position on the south hank Of the river,
with their advance on peninsula formed by
small stream. which emptied into the river
near the railroad crossing. Barlows division
occupied the right of the railroad, Birney in
front OF The peninsula, and Gibbon On the
right, while the 5th corps were on the road
leading to the ford, mile to the right
Skirmishing in front of Birney commenc ced
about2 D. m, and at the batteries got to work
and shelled the enemy, while Birney 8 division
were ordered TO charge and carry the works
and, ii possible get possession OF the bridges
across the river. The charge was made in
splendid style, and, although met with a sho wer
OF bullets from the rife pits. as well rs shells
from the batteries on the opposite side Of the
river, our men never halted until the enemy
were driven across the bridge, and our guns
placed so as to command it,
Some OF the men even went half way across,
and one was seen with rebel flag, who was
forced to throw it into the river to prevent its
recaptnre. The highest praise was given to
the division and its General by General Ham
cock. for the gallant manner in which il
stormed and carried this strong position. The
contest continued until after dark, each party
ma aintaining their line. Our loss in this action
was about 250 in killed and wounded. The loss
OF the enemy was full as heavy as our own,
and we took number of prisoners.
About p: m. Gen. Warren effected 81 cross.
ing, and, taxing position on the south bank,
threw up some breastworks. Soon after, he
was attacked by large force Of rebels, whom
he drove back with heavy loss, their dead and
wounded lying thick on the ground in front of
our lines after they retreated. Our loss here
was upwards of 800 in killed and wounded.
About dark Gen. Burnside's corps care up
and took position between Hancock and War.
ren, and made preparations to cross. Every
body felt in good spirits and confident Of VIC.
tory on the coming day.
May 24-The army advanced at an early
hour this mernirg, but the enemy were found
to have fallen hack during the night, and the
skirmish line was captured after the first round.
Il was suspected that this might be ruse, and
caution was exercised as the troops advanced
Skirmishing took place at several points, but
the I'd corps had met no force OF the enemy up
TO p. m, at which time your correspondent
some two or three miles, the enemy In his front
seeming determined to dispute his advance,
although probably falling back
p. ma messenger who left the front at 8
O'clock this afternoon reports the enemy cross
ing the South Anna, with our troops in close
pursuit. Upwards of six hundred prisoners
have been brought in since yesterday, and
fns vas aasfRtH Rsaad addrSipg rip morning IN the ors
tion OF Port Royal; and il was supposed to be
from rebel battery, which is reported to have
been placed at point twelve miles below
Fredericksburg. Two gunboa.s went down
the river last night, and it is thought they may
have been attacked, In the hope of sinking
them.
An orderly of General Lee was brought int
headquarters to. day, on whom was found a
ispatch to General EWell from General Lee,
ordering him 10 fall back rapidly to the detenses
OF Richmond
A lieutenant taken two days ago said his
brigade had been at Plymouth and at DrUry's
Bluff, and after fighting Butler was sent at
once 10 join Lees army ia front of Grant. The
colonel made speech on Saturday evening,
soon as they arrived, telling them they
must reach Richmond by Monday at 10 a. m
or the damned AMI ks' would be there before
them.
This afternoon detachment from the cav
airy expedition, nnder Sheridan, arrived at
headquarters, announcing the safe return of
and that they would arrive tonight. Gen.
Custars division cut the railroad twelve miles
below Hanover Junction on the 2Ist. burning
two bridges, and tearing mp mile OF the track.
He encountered body Of the rebel cavalry be-
hind barricades, but could not induce them to
come out and attack him. The party had to
bulld bridge across the Pamunkey. at the
White House, which they did in twenty four
hours. The entire command passed safely over
it. The horses Of the expedition are pretty we'll
exhausted, but few days rest and feed upon
the fine clover to be found in this vicinity will
put them in condition for service.
Gems. Sheridan, Gregg and Custar are en-
titled to great praise tor the manner in which
the expedition has been conducted.