The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1865-03-17

LuOSS Oiucleu W NC eAeCuVSu ny IoHOi
man.
WAR DEPT, WASHINGTON,
March ID, 10 A. Nj.
To Maj Gen. Dir:
The following report of Gen. Sheri-
dams operations has been received by
this Department from Lieut.. Gen.
Grant.
EDWIN NJ. STANTON,
Sec. of War.
HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY
DIVISION, COLUMBIA, Va,
March 10.
70 Lieut. Gen. Grant
In my last dispatch, dated Wayns-
boro', l gave brief account Of the de-
feat of Early by Custar's division.
The same night this division was
pushing across the Blue Ridge, and
entered Charlottesville at p NJ the
next day, the mayor of the city deliv-
ering up the keys of the public build
ings. l had to remain ut Charlottes-
vile two days. This time was con-
sumed in bringing our forces over
from Waynesboro' and our ammuni-
ton and pontoon trains. The wealth
er was horrible beyond description
and the rain incessant. The two di-
visions were during this time occupied
in destroying the large iron bridges,
one over the Ravana river, the other
over Mowers creek near CharlOttes-
vile, and the railroad for distance OF
eight miles in the direction of Lynch
burg. On the 9th of March | sent
the first division, Gen. Deyins com
handing, to Scottsville, on the James
river, with directions to send out
eight parties through the country, and
destroy all merchandise, mills, factc.
ries, bridges, &c, on the havana river
said parties to join the division a
Scottsville The division then pro
ceeded along the Canal to Duguids
Vile, Is miles from Lynchburg, de
stroying every lock, and IN man,
places the bank of the canal Merit
accompanied this division.
The third division proceeded dowr
the Lynchburg road to Amherst Cour
House destroying every bridge on tn
road and miles of the track. Thu
bridges on this road are numerous
and some of them 500 feet in length
We have found great abundance il
the country for our men and animals
In fact, the canal had been tn,
great feeder of Richmond. have nc
opposition. Every body is bewildere,
by our movements. l have had M
+ news of any kind since left | omit
ted to mention that the bridges on tn
railroad from Swoop's Depot ON tn
other side of Stanton to ChaIlottes
vile were utterly destroyed. Also
all bridges for 10 miles on the Cor
louisville railroad. Up to the presen
time we have captured fourteen piece
of artillery, eleven at Waynesboro
and three at Charlottesville. TIL
party that 1 sent back from Waynes
boro' started with six pieces but the
were obliged to destroy two of tn
six for the want of animals. The re
naming eight pieces were thorough
destroyed. We have captured up t
the present time twelve canal boat
laden with supplies, ammunition, re
tons, medical stores, &c. | cannC
speak in too good terms of Gen. Mel
rift, Custer and Deyens and tn
: officers and men of their commando
They have waded through mud an
10 water during the continuous raj
and are all in fine spirits and health.
Commodore Hollins of the rebC
4 navy was shot near Gordonsvill
!, while attempting to make his escar
4 from our advance force in that direc
j ton. Very respectfully,
Your ob't serv't,
;, Z. II. SHERIDAN,
u Maj, Gen. Cong.
y WASHINGTON, March II, IL A. Nj.
e TO Maj. Gen. Dir:
Q Dispatches direct from Gems. She
# man and Schofeld have been receive
/. this morning by this Department.
Gan Sboruoan'o 1ionotobao mo,