New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-02-08
The Fifth Corps beyond Reams's
Station.
A FEW SLIGHT SKIRNISHES.
TIE REBEIS WORSTED AND DRIVEN CFF.
A DECISIVE BATTLE LOOKED FOR.
CEApol AR1rgs AEsiY OF TIE POTOMAC. !
EeDruar, 3 500

February 5. 1865. !
The Army of the Potomac is once more in motion,
and ere this dispatch reaches You the objects in-
tended to be accomplished will have been not only
developed, bat the degree of success resulting will
also, 10 doubt, DE known by that time.
At o'clock this morning the Fifth Corps, pre-
seded by Gregg's Cavalry, started on the road to
Rearns Station.
No force of the enemy was met on the route, but
the roads at various points pckctcd bycavalry,
al of whom rotIeatcd as the column advanced.
About noon the column reached Powaniiz Creek,
ever which bridge Of considerable length had to
be constructed, occupying several hours.
About p. N. the sd Pennsylvania Cavalry uE-
der naior Hess, were sent out 10 make connection
between them ard the Second Corps, the Second
and Third divisions OF which Lad gone out on the
Vaughan road as far as I!atchei's Run to demon
strate in that direction.
On reaching the Run, the First Brigade of the
Third Division Of the Second Corps charged and
took the line Of rRepits On the west side, losing
but few men. They advanced about annie across
the Run, driving the enemys picsets before them
Here strong line Of breastworks was erected in
short time, making TIE position perfectly secure.
The ID Pennsylvania Cavalry, after CT ssing a
short distance south OF the Vaughan road, ad-
yanced southward AMI soon met small force i'll
ambush, which poured sharp volley into our men,
killing two ii is sad and woundiGg, besides, nun
Der of horses. a part of the Third Division OF the
Second here came TO tie support Of the I'd Pennsy-
yania Cavalry, and drove the Rebels Off and soon
after connection with the right of the Fifth Corps
was reported made.
Up to this time very little fighting had taken
Jllce, the Fifth Corps being scarcely engag at all.
The Second Division of the Second Corps under
Gen. Smythe, before reaching Hatehers Run,
turned to the right, advanced in norh.wes.erly
direction toward Armstrong Mil, but before going
more thar three quarters of nile the enemy were
discovered in a strong position and in considerable
force. four divisions OF Gen. Gordon's being re.
ported in the vicinity.
Here sono Of our men erected temporary breast
works on part Of the lne while The balance had only
time to throw up small French nfe-pits.
ssirmishine Vas eciug on ali tFis tmo totveen
The enemy aud Our sharpshooteTa.
About half past o'clock the Rebel batteries
opened for the purpose Of developing our position
and strength, but no reply was made.
of battle, with Il strong skrmishing line thrown
out in advance. Our men were all ready for them,
and as they charged in handsome style across the
open field, they received such calling fire as to
cause them 10 fall back in disorder, leaving many
dead and wounded on the field.
After repeating the attempt TO disodee our men,
and failing each time Rebel force was sent round
70 turn the right flank Of the Division. Col. Muir
ply, of the 69th New-York, commanding the
Second Brigade, was posted here, with his right
resting on swamp, and was fully prepared forsrch
movement. Here again the Rebels suffered &C.
we're loss as they attempted 10 break our line.
They were finally forced TO give il Up, and soon
after dark firing ceased, the Rebels falling back to
their works.
Our loss during the day was quite light, probably
lot over hundred altogether although the exact
number 10 not known.
Col. Murphy was wounded in the knee, not Sc.
yerely, while giving orders 70 his men. His As.
sistant-Adl utant-General Lieut.. McTarish, was
MORALLY wounded.
Lieut.. Graham, Of the l4th Connecticut, was
wounded Ia the breast, severely.
Lieut.. Wm. Tibbitts, of the 10Th Massachusetts,,
was killed
Lieut.. Morris, OF the tulh NJ L E, was woulucd III
the thigh and bend.
Lieut. A. Bartlett, Of the l4th Connecticut, YVES
killed.
A core spondent Of Tie Nesc- York Herald Whose
name did not learn, was captured, and after being
robbed succeeded in escaping and reached our lnei
in safety.
The enemy's loss must have been very heavy ss
they repeatedly charged our lines, each time suffer.
Ing severely.
We took shout twenty prisoners, some Of whom
report having received orders IN the morning 10
keep sharp lookout, as they believed that our
army was on the mote.
Gen. Smyth deserves much praise for the manner
An which he handled his division, being himself
present all over the fold, watching closely every
move Of the enony, and ready 10 meet it.
We expect great battle tomorrow with more
decisive results than were obtained to-day.
The weather tonight is clear and cold and is Just
suitable for q movement in this country.
The Array Msving-The Enemy Supposed
70 be Evacnnsins Petersburg.
From Our Special Correspondent.
CITY Porn. Vs., Feb s. fe65-l0 g. In.
Tie entire Amy is under marching orders this
morning, With four days rations already in their
haversaeks.
The cavalry started at three O'Clock this morning
on q reconnaissance toward Stony Greek.
A part az the {rf1ntyv have ALREADY broken reInn