The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-03-17
UEApouAnrERs MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, !
W Z


Columbia. Va, Friday, March 10
To Lieut.. Gen ". s. Grant, Commanding
u. g. Armies:-Geueral:- In my last dispatch.
dated Waynesb0ro', I gave brief account OF
the defeat of Early by Custar's division. The
same night this division was pushed across the
Blue Ridge. and entered Charlottesville at or.
VI. the next day The Mayor OF the city and
the principal inhabitants came out aud delivered
up the keys Of the public buildings.
I had to remain ut Charlottesville two days.
This time was consumed in bringing over from
waynesboro' our ammunition and pontooh
trains. The weather was horrible beyond de-
scription, and the rain incessant The two di-
visions were during this time occupied IN de-
stroyng the two large iron bridges, one over
the Riyanna River, the other over MOrse's
Creek, near Charlottesville, and the railroad for
n distance of eight miles in the direction Of
Lynchburc. 4
On the 9th inst sent the LIST division, Gen.
Devins commanding, to Scottsville, on the
James River, with directions to send out light
parties through the country and destroy all mer-
chandise, mills, factories, bridges, &c., on the
Rivanna River, the parties to join the division
at Scottsville.
The division then proceeded along the canal
TO Duguidsville, fifteen miles from Lynchhurg,
destroying every lock, and in many places the
bank Of the canal.
AT Duguidsviile we hoped to secure the
bridge to let US cross the river, rs our pontoons
we're useless on account of high water. In this
however. we were foiled, as both this bridge
AMI the bridge at Har'lngsvile were burned
by the enemy upon our approach. Merritt &c
companied this division.
The 81 division started ut the same time from
Charlottesville, and proceeded down the Lynch
burg Railroad to Amherst Court House, de-
stroying every bridge on the road, and in ma
ny places miles Of the track. The bridges ON
this road are numerous, and some OF them five
hundred feet In length.
We have found great abundance in this coun,
try for our men and animals. In fact, the ca.
nal had been the great feeder OF Richmond.
AT the Rock6sh River the bank Of the canal
was cut, and at New Canton, where the dam
is across the James, the grand lock was de-
strpyei and the James River let into the canal,
CARRYING away the banks and washing out the
bottom Of the canal. t
The dam across the James at this point was
also partially destroyed. have had no oppo
si,ion. Everybody Is bcwidered by our move
mcnts. | have had M news Of any kind since
I left. The latest Richmond papers were OF
the 4th, but contained nothing.
I omitted to mention that the bridges on the
railroad from Swoop's Depot. on the other side
Of Staunton to Charlottesville, were utterly de
stroyed; also all bridges for distance Of ten
miles on the Gordonsville Railroad.
The weather has been very bad, indeed. rain
ing 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 II pieces OF artillery,..ll
Mt waynesboro' and 3 at Charlottesville. The
party that sent back from Waynesb0ro' start
eli with six pieces, but they were obliged to do.
stroy 3 OF the for want of animals. The 70.
manning pieces were thoroughly destroyed.
We have captured up to the present time IL
canal boats, laden with supplies, ammunition,
rstion., medical stores, &c. hfprf
/ cannot speak in too high terms Of Generals
Merritt, Custar, and Devins, and the officers
and men Of their commands. They have wad-
ed through mud and water during this contin
uous rain. aud are In fne spirits aud health. 1,
Commodore Hollins. Of the rebel navy, was
shot near Gordousville, while attempting to
make his escape from our advance in that d.
rection. Ita .lf..I ti tf.f ~ st0-g
Very respectfully yours. aifr
p II. SHERIDAN,
.h Maj. Gen. Commanding.