The Portland daily press., 1865-03-14
BY TEIEGRAPH
OFFICIAL NEWS DISPATCH.

Gen. Sheridans official Report Occupation
Of Charlottesville aud Coiunlbia-D Destruction
DC. ,gDestrOyed-Triaap March of the
Federal army.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, March Is, 1865.
10 MAJ. Gen. Dir:-The following report
OF Gen. SheridaL's operations has been receiv-
ed by this Department.
(Signed) EN-. STANTON,
Secretary OF War.
Cry POINT, Va, March II, 7 P. M
10 Hon. b. M. Stdnton:-The following
dispatch has just been received
lSigned) u. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant General.
HRADo JARTEss MIDDLE Military DIVISION,
Columbia, Va, Friday, March 10.
To Lieut.. Gen. U. S. Grant, Commanding
Y. 3. armies: --General: In my last dispatch,
dated Waynesboro', gave brief account of
the defeat OF Early by Custar's division. The
same night this division was pushed across the
Blue Ridge, aud entered Charlottesville at 2 p.
M. the next day. The Mayor of the city and
the principal inhabitants came out and deliv-
cred up the keys OF the public buildings.
had to remain at Charlottesville two days.
This time was consumed in bringing over from
Waynesboro' our ammunition and pontoon
trains. The weather was horrible beyond des-
cription, aud the rain incessant. The two di-
visions were during this time occupied in des
troying the two large iron bridges, one over
the Rivanna River, the other over Morses
Creek, near Charlottesville, and the railroad for
distance OF eight miles in the direction oil
Lynchburg.
On the 9th inst. sent the 1st division, Gen.
DeVins commanding, to Scottsville, on the
James River, with directions to send out light
parties through the country and destroy all
merchandise, mills, factories, bridges, &C., on
the Rivanna River, the parties 10 join the d.
vision at Scottsville.
The division then proceeded along the CANA
| to Duguidsville, fifteen miles from Lynchburg
destroying every lock, and in many places the
bank of the canal.
At Duguidsville we hoped to secure the
bridge to let us cross the river, as our pom
toons were useless on account OF the higt
water In this, however, we were foied, a
both this bridge and the bridge at Hardings
vile were burned by the enemy upon our APP
proach. Merritt accompanied this division.
The Sd division started at the same TINT
from Charlottesville, and proceeded down thu
Lynchburg Railroad TO Amherst Court House
destroying every bridge on the road, and il
many places miles of The track. The bridges
on this road are numerous, and some of then
five hundred feet in length.
We have found great abundance in thi
country for our men and animals. In fact, tn,
| canal had been the great feeder of Richmond
At the Rockfish River the bank of tue cana
was cut, and at New Canton, where the dam
across the james, the grand lock was destroy
ed and the James River let into the canal, car
! rying away the banks aud washing out tn
bottom OF the canal. B
The dam across the James at this point wa
also partially destroyed. / have had no oppo
sition. Everybody is bewildered by our move
ments. / have had no news of any kind sine
l left. The latest Richmond papers were 0
the 4th, but contained nothing.
l omitted to mention that the bridges on tn
railroad from Swoop's Depot, on the other sid
of Stanton to Charlottesville, were utserl
destroyed; also all bridges for distance c
ten miles on the GordoDsville Railroad.
The weather has been very bad, indeed, rain
Ing hard every day with the exception of tou
days, since we started. My wagons have, iron
the state OF the roads, detained me up to tn
present time
We have captured IA pieces of artilary,-1
at Waynesboro and at Charlottesville. TIL
party that sent back from Waynesboro' start
ed with six pieces. but they were obliged t.
destroy of the for want OF animals. TIL
remaining pieces were thoroughly destroyed
We have captured up to the present time 1
canal boats, laden with supplies, ammunition
rations, medical stores, &c.
/ cannot speak in too high terms of Gene
rails Merritt. Gustav. and Devins, and the Off
GERS and men of their commands. They hav
waded through mud and water during thi
continuous rain, and are in fine spirits an
! health.
Commodore Hollius, OF tho rebel navy wa
shot near Gordonsville, while attempting t
make his escape from our advance in that dl
rection.
1850 Very respectfully yours,
P. H. SHERIDAN,
Maj. Gen. Commanding