Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-04-05
ACCOUNT 0 + sHE8IDAS's BATTLE.

NEW J oRK, April 4.
The World has. graphic account Of
Sheridhn's battle of Five Forks, which
was the turning point in the great con file!
and which, under Sheridsn's generslship,
will take rank with anything on record.
1t appears that Grant was not satisfied
with the days business on Friday, and
placed Sheridan in supreme command of
the whole of Wsrren's corps and sll the
cavalry. Sheri an at once maneouyred
with his cavalry, dIsmounting a portion
IN front of the rebels, and gradually
pressed them back into their works
under the most desperate and terrible
fighting of war. While this was being
done slowly by order, Sheridan set about
forming the infantry, showing the same
genius IN infantry tactics that he has in
cavalry. 1t was q marvel to gee SO psltry
force Of cavalry press back and hold in
check 10000 rebel infantry Stillthey did
it, and In such manner as to comp etelv
hide the movement of our infantry. They
were driven bsck step by step into their
works. Then the signal was given,
and the infantry closed on the works like
huge barn door. The rebels saw
their situation, but did not appear
to appreciate how desperate were
their circumstances. They fell back to the
left only TO see four close lines of bsttle
waiting To drive them across tho field. Az
the right, hoTsemen charged them in their
vain attempts to fight out, and in their
rear began TO assemble. Slant fire, cross
fire and direct fire by filesnd battery, rolled
perpetualy, cutting down their bravest
officer and strewiDg the field with bleeding
men. Their own artillery was turned upon
them at last. Bodies of cavalry mounted
their parapet and charged down upon them,
slsshing and tramping them into confu.
sion. They had no commanders to lead
them out of the toll into which they had
fallen. A few more volleys and new
charge required them to die or surrender,
and 5000 muskets were thoWn upon the
ground, and 5000 men were Sheridans
prisoners. Those who escaped were pur-
sued by fiery Custar, and they were press
ed far into the desolate forest.
No attack on the inner line has been
made as yet, as the position is a strong one
and will be defended TO the last, or eVacu.
ated during the night.
The 4th corps hOldidg the line North of
Hstcher's run and Sou of Duncan road,
connecting with the 9Th corps on the right
and the I'd on the lett, advanced at day
light and took the works in their front,
with slight loss. Over 1000 prisoners were
captured here by Fosters and Turner'S
divisions uU der Gen. Gibbons. They were
supported by colored division of the 25th
corps, but the latter did not get into
action.
The I'd corps which held the line firm,
run mile and half east of the Boydton
road and over mile west of it, advancing
until the 9th corps got within supporting
distance on the extreme left, when the
line moved forward, carrying the works
was found 10 have fallen back from this
part of the line, and owing TO
the sixth corps cutting them off
they having reached the South Side Rail-
road early in the forenoon and we're busy
tearing it up. This of course cut the rebel
army in two and two divisions were caught
between the 9Th and I'd corps. They at
once started across the South Side Road
towards the Appomattox, hoping to be able
to ford it and thus escape capture, but it
appears they ran against Sheridan, and
putting on bold appearance made show
to fight.
News to this effect reaching headquart.
ers, two divisions of the I'd corps were i'm
mediAtely sent TO the flank, and, if possi-
BILE, capture the entire command. Our
losses during the day cannot be given, but
il is believed that 1000 will cover them.
Many valuable officers are among the
number, whose names, however, are not
obtsinable tonight. Our captures will
sum up about 5000 prisoners and IS guns,
including those taken by General Sheridan
yesterday.
The loss of the ensmy in killed and
wounded is not estimated but in front of
the 9Th Corps they lie on the ground very
thick. They were mown down by hun
dreds at esch effort TO regain lost ground.
General Ransom is badly wounded, and
prisoner in our hsnds. He was found at a
house on Boydton road from which it was
dangerous 10 move him.
General A. 2. Hill is reported killed by
the prisoners.