Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-11-21
ARMY OF THE JAMES.
Night Attack by the Rebels-Capture of
ficket Llne-6eneral Buffers Arrival
He Retakes the Lost Ground

q
fIeket Line-General Buffers Arrival
He Retakes the Lost Ground
Correspondence Philadelphia Inquirer]
HEADQUARTERS ARMv OF THE JAMES, Nov.
le.-The amlcable relations which have been
30 long maintained on the entire front Of this
army were interrupted at about half past eight
O'Clock last night on that part Of our line be-
tween the James and Appomattox rivers, by
partially successful attempt on the part Of
the enemy TO surprise and capture our picket
line. Indeed 1t is thought by some and also as
serted by prisoners who fell INTO our hands,
that the attack had a more serious design, be-
Ing made In hope of capturing the strong line
OF works extending across the angle between
the two rivers. which covers our pontoon
bridges at Bermuda Hundred, and forms the
connecting link between the Army of the Poto-
mac and the forces north of the James Gould
they have succeeded in this purpose, it would
Certainly have been serious natter, and slight
as their chances were, il is Just possible they
may have thought the object OF suficie i'm
portanee to justify an attempt.
Prisoners who make the allegation inst
spoken Of, assign as the reason for the failure
OF the plan that q considerable portion of the
troops destined for the enterprise were con-
scripts who could not be induced to advance
elther by threats or persuasion.
Inc attack was made at point near the CEN
IRE OF our line, and the force engaged In 1t IL
etts' DIVISION they approached in entire 81.
1ence, through dense tract of woods in our
'front.' and, making gap IN the line, passed
fore our pickets had any intimation Of their
presence. The latter, thus taken surprise,
were thrown into some confusion.
The number captured by the enemy Is stated
At about sixty. Among them were Colonel
Kaufman, Of the 2O9th Pennsyl vania; Capt.
Beede, Of the 18TH New Hampshire, Assistant
Adlutaat-9 Of Colonel Porter's Brigade,
and Lteuteaant CHARLES Towle, Of the Twelfth
New Hampshire. Lieutenant john p. Lane
OF mo Twelfth New ampshire, was wounded
through both thighs, but not seriously. We
lost no. men killed, and but few slightly
wounded. while, az q partial Offset 10 oar
loss In prisoners we captured fifteen from the
enemy.
The latter was able TO ACCOMPLISH notb,n,
mere than slight advantage, gained durins
surprise. Brisk firing was kept up until about
midnight, when all again became quiet The
enemy retained the position from which our
picket line had been driven, and had held IL
all day to-day. But il is probable 1t will be
retAken tonight.
R6esersI Batter arrived at head quarters this
morning, accompanied by number OF distin-
gushed viaitors from the North.
The Rebel batteries bearing on the Dutch Gap
CANAL have Of late been very assiduous In
their attentions. They burn deal OF powder
and make q very respectable amount Of noise.
but ~ general rule II turns out TO be very
Innocent amusement At all events, 1t does
uot appear to interfere materially with our
work, which progresses very satisfactoraily.
LATER.
General Butler Relax GO the Lest Lines.
CITY PoIHr, Nov. 1s.-Just Is the mat boat
- Leaving We have report that our picket
kaes were retaken BY 0enseal Butler. Con.
siderable drag Was hoard tAruuYhout the
nikht, bat We have ass Asw time 70 g. ali d.
Mne. 10 af'' -