Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-04-13
From Associated Press

Correspond ence from the army OF the Poto.
mac says that very little fighting took place
on the eth instant at FarmviIle. There was
some skirmishing between the enemy's rear
guard and the I'd corps with the second diyi-
siou OF cavalry, the result being unimportant
Lee had intended to fall back to Danville, but
being cut off by our forces getting to Burkes-
Vile first, he changed his course and started
toward Lynchburg. Part OF his force passed
through Farm vile on the morning Of the 7th
After crossing the Appomattox the bridges
were burned, and before our troops could get
over the enemy had taken a position q mile
from the river, where they erected works and
made stand in order to allow their wagon
train to get out OF the way
On this side the river, just outside the town.
q division Of cavalry had taken up position,
determined to annoy our advance while recon-
structing the bridge. The I'd division, under
General Crook, attacked them vigorously
driving them back some distance. But they
had force dlsmOunted, lying in ambush,
which poured severe fire into our men as
they advanced to the second attack, and they
were compelled to fall back on their supports
The rebels soon after departed from this place,
not being disposed to await another charge
The loss on both sides was very light
The I'd corps soon after crossed, and pushing
on after the enemy drove them behind the ne W.
ly built breastworks. Gen. Smyths brigade
was then thrown forward, and forming a
skirmish ltne charged the position. A heavy
force was found to be here, and the attack was
repulsed. Gen. Smyth was severely, and it is
believed mortally wounded, in leading the
charge. This was q sad loss to the command,
and every man in it feels the loss as personal
one. A more gallant soldier never served his
ceErltry, and he not only ranked high for
bravery on the field but as gentleman and a
friend he was loved by all who knew him.
The loss in the I'd corps during the day will
be some $780, mostly in Smyth's brigade. In
the morning, before the enemy crossed the
river, twelve guns were taken from them and
afterwards six more, making eighteen during
the day, and about 200 prisoners.
The number Of prisoners taken on the 9th is
put down t7,T0, almost entirely of Kershaw's
and Gusts Lees divisions.
The correspondent, after giving further de.
tails of events, but which have mainly been
field where the surrender took place was al
most covered with the enemys dead, all of
them nearly being shot in the head and upper
vorabIe one for them, but our artillery had
good range ON ali adjoining hill, and our men
charged up the ascent with such impetuosity
that some were bayonetted before they left
their light breastworks.
The road for miles was strewn with broken
down wagons, caissons, and baggage of all
kinds, presenting scene seldom witnessed on
the part OF Lees army.
Our loss on the 9th will sum up about 1000
in killed and wounded, the 9th corps suffering
heaviest.
Another letter, dated on the evening of the
6th, says stragglers are found scattered all
along the line OF march, and as the troops pass
they come In and surrender themselves, ex.
pressing tneU uetermlnRtlOn 10 uGnt NO longer,
as they consider the rebellion as good as over
Four guns were brought in this morning, be-
sides long train Of ambulances, many con.
tanning wounded, who were placed in hospital
and cared for. General Gordon sent four sur
gems through the line this afternoon, asking
that they be allowed to minister to the wants
of those left behind on the road, but as we have
plenty Of such help they will be returned to
their army in the morning
Genl Hays was relieved from the command
OF the I'd division of the I'd corps yesterday, for
Hardness in moving his command In obedience
to orders.
Another letter. dated the 9th Of April, says
..Notwithstanding the correspondence between
Generals Grant and Lee yesterday, which led
all to expect formal surrender this morning,
the latter exerted all his energies to escape the
net laid for him. He marched rapidly all yes
terday afternoon and evening, until he ran
against Sheridan at Appomattox Court House,
when sharp fight ensued, resulting in the
capture OF q number of prisoners and the
checking OF their retreat. The Gath ana 5tn
corps were close up In support Of the cavalry,
and during the night took up strong positl0a
across the main road and on the soutneriy