Washington telegraph., 1865-04-22


cn of the 7th the following interesting
5.spatches of preceding events:
New York, April 6.-The Hsrald's
correspondence from the late mansion of
Jeff. Davis at Richmond says:-The
evacuation of that city was seriously
contemplated several days before it took
pace but ths decision was not arrived
At until Sunday afternoon last, when
Lee telegraphed to Davis that Grant had
rendered the holding of the city by him
impossible. The telegram was read in
the churches, and the departure of the
leading rebels commenced at once, and
was continued through the night. jeff.
Davis left at p. IN. for Danville, and it
is understood the government archives
were sent to that place and Milton. n. G.
The city was fired by Gen. Ewell, and,
although Gen. Weitzel on reaching the
city endeavored to subdue the flames,
one-third of the city was destroyed.
Among the buildings burned were the
War Department, Post Office, Treasury
Department, several churches, two banks
and three newspaper offices.
Ii was understood to have been Lees
design to sndeavor to reach Danville,
Va, and there fortify and make another
stand. This plan Sheridan's movements
have frustrated, and Lee is now endeay-
oring to get to Lynchburg.
The Herald's correspondent says:
Davis received Lees dispatch to evac-
vts while in church. Davis left in the
first train. He escaped with lis horses
and carriage, so as to take TO the eoun-
try in case the road is Interrupted He
expressed himself as being yet determin-
ed not 10 give up, though it was certain
he had but little hope left.
Extra Billy Smith did not leave till
after midnight. He left his wife behind
as also did Gen. Lee. The news of the
death of her SON, W. IL +. Lee, in the
battles has been received.
The Legislature was in session as late
s9 o'clock, when they started for Co.
iumbia by the canal and y James river.
Breckenridge left the city as late as
SEQ Monday morning.
A large number of rebel officers were
edpLuI6u anu pdIOleO.
The Worlds special from Richmond
says: The buildings burned were msst
y the lower part of main street. The
toba go warehouses, storehouses, the ole
Bank of Virginia Building and newspa
per offices were destroyed. Higher VI
on main street many of the best shops
were in flames. Lower down the rive
good deal Of mischief was done during
Sunday night. The newspapers haC
stopped publication and suffered accord
mgly.
Junction Southsids and Danville R. R
Burkesville, Va, April 5, 1065-10 pm
Hoa. E. NJ. Stanton, See'y of War
Lieut. Gen. Grant received the follow
Ing dispatch at $50 p. M, while on hi
way to this point, and at once proceeded
to ten. Sheridan headquarters. Gen
Grant desired me to transmit hedispatcI
toyOu op-ths aae,' 10 say that the 6tl
corps without doubt reached Sheridan
position within an hour or two after tn,
dispatch was written.
Two divisions of the oath corps will
sacamP here tonight, and one division
a the 25th corps at Black and White
station, Southsids railroad.
Signed, s. WILLIAMS, Brig. Gen.
Head Quarters Cavalry, ,
Jettsville, April 5. 1868 p. m. I
Lieut.. Gen. Grant Il send you the
!99closed letter which will give you an
IGsa OF the condition of the enemy and
Asir Whereabouts. =,
l sent Gen. Devine's brigade this
morning around on my left flank. He
aptured at Farmers cross roads five
pieces OF artillery, about 200 wagons and
GRhf l.. Il