The Portland daily press., 1865-02-08
BY TELEGRAPH
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Portland Daily Press.
THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
AGAIN IN MOTION.
Attack on the Federal Forces
near Armstrong; Mills.
THE ENEMY REFUSED.
FEDERAL Loss ONE HUNDRED.
A GREAT BATTLE EXPECTED
THE ENEMY REPULSED.
FEDERA1 loss ONE HUNDRED.
A GREAT BATTLE EXPECTED
ON MONDAY.
HEADQvARrERs ARMY PoroMAc,

446AOQQAhIEhS ARMY 1OTOMAC.
February 5.
The Army of the Potomac is once more in
motion, and ere this dispatch reaches you. the
objects intended to be accomplished, will have
been not only developed by the degree of sue
cess resulting, but will also no doubt be known
by that time.
At three O'Clock this morning the 5th corps,
preceded by Gregg's cavalry, started on the
road to Ream's Station. No force of the
enemy was met on the route, but the roads at
various points were picketed by cavalry, all of
whom retreated as our column advanced
About noon the column reached Rowanitze
Creek, over which bridge of considerable
length had to be constructed, occupying sew
eral hours.
About three P. M. the Sd Pennsylvania
cavalry was sent out to make a connection be-
tween them and the I'd corps. The I'd and Sd
divisions had gone out on the Waugh
an road, as far as Hatcher's Run, to demon
stratein that direction. On reaching the run
the 1st brigade of the Sd division I'd corps,
charged and took line OF rifle pits on the
west side, losing but few men. They advan.
C d a mile across the run, driving the enemy's
pickets before them. Here strong line of
breastworks was erected, making the position
perfectly secure.
The Sd Pennsylvania cavalry, after cross
ing short distance south of the Vaughan
Road, advanced southward, and soon met
small force in ambush, which poured sharp
volley into our men, killing two men, and
wounding number of horses. Part of the
Sd division of the I'd corps here came to the
support of the cavalry, and drove the rebels
off, and soon after connection with the right
OF the 9th corps was made. Up to this time
very little fighting had taken plsce, the 9th
corps being scarcely engaged at all.
Gen. Smyth before reaching Hatcher's Run.
turned to the right and advanced in a north
westerly direction toward Armstrong; Mills,
but before going more than three quarters of
mile the enemy were discovered in strong
position, and in considerable force; four d.
visions of Gen. Gordens being reported in the
vicinity. Here some of our men erected tenn
p0rary breastworks on a part of our line,
while the balance had only time to throw up
small fence rifle pits.
Skirmishing was going on all this time be-
tween the enemy's and our sharpshooters.
About half past four O'Clock the rebel bat
teries opened for the purpose of developing
our position and strength, but no reply was
made. The rebels appeared at length advanc-
ing in line of battle, with strong skirmish
line thrown out in advance. Our men were
all ready for them, and as they charged in
handsome style across an open field, they re-
ceived such a calling fire as to cause them to
fall back in disorder, leaving many dead and
wounded on the field.
After repeating the attempt to dislodge our
men, and failing each time, rebel force was
sent round to turn the right flank OF the di-
vision. Col. Murphy of the Goth N. Y, com
handing the I'd brigade, was posted here. with
his right resting on aswamp, and was fully
prepared for such movement. Here again
the rebels suffered severe loss as they at
tempted to break our lines. They were final
ly forced to give it up, and soon after dark
the firing ceased, the rebels falling back to
their works.
Our loss during the day was quite light
probably not over 100 all together, although the
exact number is not known.
Col. Murphy was wounded in the knee, and
his assistant adjutant general, Lieut.. McTav
ish, was MORALLY wounded; Lieut.. Graham of
the 14th Conn.,, was wounded in the breast
severely; Lieut.. VIM. Tibbetts of the 9th
Mass, was killed: Lieut. A. Bartlett of the
14th Conn.,, was killed. a -
A correspondent of the N. Y. Herald, whose
name | did not learn, was captured, and after
being robbed, succeeded in escaping to our
lines again.
The enemy's loss must have been heavy as
they repeatedly charged our lines, each time
auffering severely.
We took about twenty prisoners, some of
whom report having received orders in the
morning to keep a sharp look out, as they be-
lieved our army was on the move.
We expect great battle tomorrow, with
more decisive results than were obtained to-
day.
The weather to-nightis clear and cold, just
suitable for movement in this country.
Signed, W. d. McGREGoR.