Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-02-07
THE AMBUSHERS DRIVEN OFF.
THE ENEMY CHARGE OUR LINE RE-
PEATEDLY, AND ARE REPULSED.
HEAVY BATTLE EXPECTED YESTER
DAY WITH DECISIVE RESULTS

Correspondence OF the Associated Pressl
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoroMAC.
Feb. 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, but the de-
gree of success resulting will no doubt DO
known by that time.
At3a. m. this morning the 5th corps, preceded
by Gregg's cavalry, started on the road to
Ream's Station. No force of the enemy were
met on the route, but the roads at various
points were picketed by cavalry, all Of whom
retreated as the column advanced.
About noon they reached Rowanty Creek,
over which a bridge OF considerable length
had to be constructed, occupying several
hours.
About 3 p. 10. the Sd Pennsylvania cavairy.
under Major Hess, were sent out to make con-
nection between them and the I'd corps, the
ID and Sd divisions OF which had gone out on
the Vaughn road, as far as Hatoher's Run, 70
demonstrate in that direction.
On reaching the run the LIST brigade Of the ID
division charged, and took the line OF rifle
pits on the west side, losing but few met.
They advanced about a mile across the river.
driving the enemy's pickets before them. Here
a strong line of breastwcYas were erected IN
short curve, and making the position perfectly
secure.
The I'd Pennsylvania cavalry, after crossing
a short distance south OF the Vaughn road. ad-
vanced southwark and soon met small force
in ambush, which poured Sharp volley into
our men, kill ng two, it Is said. AID woundtns
q number of horses. Being supported by
part OF the Sd division OF the I'd corps, the
rebels We're driven OF, and soon after con-
nectiOn With the right Of the 5th corps was re-
ported made.
Up to this time very little fighting lad taken
place, the 5th corps being scarcely engaged
at all.
The I'd division ef the Cd corps, under General
SmYth, before reaching Hatcher's run, turned
to the right and advanced in a northwesteriE
direction towards Armstrong; mill. Before
going more than three-fourths Of q mile the
enemy were discovered in a strong position.
and in considerable force, four divisions Of
General Gordons corps being reported in the
vicinity. Here our men erected temporary
breastworks on part Of the line, while the
remainder had only time to throw up small,
French rfie.pits. Skirmishing was going on
all the time between the enemy and our sharp
shooters.
About AZ o'clock the rebel batteries opened
for the purpose of developing our position and
strength, but NO reply was made.
They at length appeared to be advancing in
line OF battle W it'll strong skirmsh line
thrown out in advance.
Our men were ready for them, and as they
charged in handsome style across an open
field, they received such a CALLING fro as to
cause them to fall back in disorder, leaving
many dead and wounded On the field.
After repeating the attempt to dislodgs our
men, and failing each tine, q force was sent
around 10 turn the right flank OF the division.
Col. Murphy, of the 6sth New York, com
manding.
The Second brigade was posted here with big
right resting on a swamp and v7as fully prs
pared for such movement. Here again, the
rebels suffered severe loss as hey attempted to
break the line. They were ahaffy forced 70
give up, and soon after dark firing ceaeed al
most entirely, the enemy falling back 70 their
works.
Our loss during the day was quite tight
probably not over a hundred aitosethe-al-
though the exact number is net known. Col.
Murphy was wounded in the knee, ret Sc.
verely, while giving orders to.his men. His
assistant adja.ant general, Lisat. McTarish,
was moFtally wounded; Lieut. Graham. 18th
Connecticut, wounded in the breast severely;
Lieut.. William Tibbitts, 10Th Massachusetts,
killed; Lieut.. Morris, 10th New Jersey. wound
ed in thigh ana head; Lieut.. a. Bartlett, 18th
Connecticut, killed.
A respondent Of the Herald With the Fifth
corps, whose name did not learn; was cap
tured, and after being robbed succeeded in es-
Gaping and reached our lines in safety.
The enemy's loss must have been very
heavy, as they repeatedly charg.d oar hness
each time suffering severely. We took about
twenty prisoners, some OF whom, report hav-
ing received orders in the morning to kesp.a
sharp lookout, rs they believed our ARM WA.
on the move.
General Smythe deserves mucapraise sort1s
manner In which he handled his division, being
himself all over the field, watch hing eloss.eVery
move OF the enemy and ready to meet 1t.
We expect q battle Tomorrow with raore. de-
cisive results than were obtained to-day
The weather tonight is clear and cold, ana
is Just suitable for a movemens Ia this country.
w. D.MC4RRaoR