Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1865-03-17

COLUMBIA, v A.y n8Fcl 10.
Lieut. Gen. Grant:
GENERAL-In my last, dated Waynesboro,
I gave you brief account of the defeat OF
Early, by Clusters division. The same night
this division was pushed across the Blue Ridge,
and entered Charlottesville at P. NJ. next
day. The Mayor and principal inhabitants
came and delivered up the keys of the public
buildings. had to remain at Charlottesville
two days The time was consumed in bring
ing over from Waynesboro', Our ammunition
and pontoon trains. The weather was horri-
bic rain incessant. The two divisions were,
during this time, occupied in destroying two
large iron bridges, one over the Rivanna river,
the other over Moses creek, near Charlottes-
vile, and the railroad for a distance of eight
miles in the direction of Lynchburg.
On the 9th of March l sent the first division,
Gen. Devin's command, to ScottsvilIe, ou the
james river, with directions to send out light
parties through the country, and destroy all
merchandise, mills, factories and bridges on
the Rivanua. The parties to join the division
at ScottsviiIe.
The division then proceeded along the canal
to Dugurdsville, Is miles from LyDehburg, de-
bank of the canal At Dugurdsvile we hoped
to secure the bridges to cross the river, as our
pontoons were useless on account of the high
water. In this we failed, as both this bridge
aud the bridge at charlottesville were burned
by the enemy upon our approach. Merritt
accompanied this division.
The Sd division started at the same time
from Charlottesville, and proceeded down the
Lynchburg railroad to Amherst Court House,
destroying every bridge on the road and in
many places miles of the road. The bridges
on this road are numerous, and some of them
500 feet in length. We have found great
abundance in this country for our men and an
imas. In fact, the canal had been the great
feeder of Richmond.
At the Rock6sh river the bank of the Ca
nal was cut out, and at New Canton where
dam is across the James, the guard lock was
destroyed, and james river let into the canal,
carrying away banks and washing out the bot
tom Of the canal. The dam across the james
at this point was also partially destroyed.
1 have had no opposition. Everybody is
bewildered by our movements. | have had no
news of any kind since 1 left. The latest
Richmond papers were of the 4th, but con-
tanned nothing.
l omitted TO mention that the bridges on the
railroad from Swoop's depot, on the other side
of Stauuton, to Charlottesville, were utterly
destroyed. Also all the bridges for distance
Of 10 miles on the Gordonsville railroad.
The weather has been very bad, indeed,
raining hard every day, With the exception OF
four days, since we started. My wagons have,
from the state of the roads, detained me.
Up to the present time, we have captured
IA pieces of ARTILLERY, IL at Waynesboro' and
at Charlottesville. The party that sent
back from WaYnesboro' started with pieces,
but they were obliged to destroy of the 6,
for want of animals The remaining pieces
were thoroughly destroyed. Have also cap
tured IL canal boats, laden with supplies, am
munition, ratons, medical stores, etc.
I cannot speak in too high terms of Gems.
Merritt, Custar and Devins, and the officers
and men of their commands. They have waded
through mud and water during this continuous
rain, and are all in fine spirits and health.
Commodore Hallings, oil the rebel navy, was
shot near GordonsvilIe, while attempting to
make his escape from our advance in that
direction.
[Signedl P. H. SHERIDAN,
Major General