Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-02-08

FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTO-
MAC.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY POTOMAC, I
February 5. !
The Army Of the Potomac is once more
in motion, and ere this dispatch reaches
you, the object intended to be accomplished
will have been not only developed but the
degree of success resulting will also, no
doubt, be known by that time.
At three O'Clock this morning the 9TH
Corps, preceded by Gregg's cavalry,
started on the rad 10 Resms' Station. No
force of the enefhy was met on the route,
but the roads at various points were pick
eted by cavalry, all of whom retrested as
the column advanced
About noon the column reached Roam
itz Creek, over which bridge of consider
able length had to be constructed, occupy
ing several hours. About three P. N, the
3rd Pennsylvania cavalry, under General
Hess, were sent out to make a connection
between them and the I'd Corps, the I'd and
3rd Divisions of which had gone out on
the Vaug CHAN road, as far as Hatcher's
Run, to demonstrate In that direction. On
reaching the Run the 1st brigade of The
Sd Division of the I'd Corps charged and
took the line of rifle pits on the west side
losing tus few men. They advanced
about mile scross the Run, driving the
enemy's pickets before them.
Here strong line Of breastworks was
erected, in a short time, making the posi-
tion perfectly secure.
The Sd Pennsylvania cavalry, after cros-
sing 8 short distance south of the Vaughan
road, advanced southwark, and soon met q
small force IN ambush which poured sharp
volley into our men, killing two, it is said,
and wounding several, besides number of
horses. A part of the Sd division of the I'd
corps here came TO the support of the Sd
Pennsylvania cavalry, and drove the rebels
of, and soon after a connection with the
right of the Sd corps was reported made.
Up to this time very little fighting had
taken place, the 9th corps being scarcely
engaged at all The I'd division of the I'd
corps, under General Smyth, before reach
ing Hatchers Run, turned to the right and
advanced in northwesterly directIoa to.
wards Armstrong; Mill, but before going
three quarters of a mile the enemy were
discovered in a strong position and in con-
siderable force, four divisions of General
GoTdon's being reported in the vicinity.
Here some of our men erected temporary
breastworks on part of the line, while the
balance had only time TO throw up small
French rifepits. Skirmishing was going
on all this time. About 4;3O o'clock the
rebel batteries opened for the purpose of
developing our position and strength, but
no reply was made.
The rebels at length appeared, advsn-
cling in line OF battle with strong skir-
mish line thrown cut in front Our men
were ready for them, and as they charged
in handsome style across an open field,
they received such calling fire as to cause
them to fall back in disorder, leaving ma
ny of their dead and wounded on the field.
After repeated efforts to dislodge our
men, and failing, a relief was sent around
to turn the right flank of the division,
Colonel Murphy of the Goth New York,
commanding the I'd Brigade, was posted
here, with his right resting on swamp,
and was fully prepared for such move
ment. Then again the rebels suffered Sc
we're loss as they attempted to break our
line. They were finally forced to give it
mp, and soon after DARK firing ceased, the
rebels falling back to their works.
Our loss during the day was quite light,
probably not over 100 altogether, although
the exact number is not known.
Colonel Murphy was wounded in the
knee, but not seriously, while giving Or
ders to his men. His assistant Adjutant
General, Lieutenant McFarish, was NOR
tally wounded.
Lieutenant Graham, of the l4th Con-
necticut, was wounded in the breast
severely.
Lieutenant William Tibbetts, of the
10th Massachusetts, and Lieutenant A.
Bartlett of the 18th Connecticut we're
killed.
A correspondent of the New York Her
aid was captured, and after being robbed
succeeded in making his escape and reach
ed our lines in safety.
The enemy's loss must have been very
heavy as they repeatedly charged our lines
seffering severely each time. We took
about 200 prisoners some of whom report
having received orders in the morning TO
keep a sharp lookout, as they believed
our army was on the move Gen Smyth
deserves the greatest praise for the man
ner in which he handled his division, being
himself present all over the field watching
every move OF the enemy. We expect a
great battle tomorrow with more decided
results than were obtained to-day.
The weather is bright, clear and cold
and is just suited for movement.
LSigned] W. D. MCGREGoR.