Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1865-02-08
The Army of The Potomac Again
i'm Motion.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF YHE PoToMAc,
Feb. 5.-The Army of the Potomac is once
more in motion, and ere this dispatch reach-
es you the objects intended to be accom-
plished will have been not only deyelOped,
but the degree of success resulting will also
no doubt be known by that time. AT three
o'clock this morning the Fifth corps, pre-
ceded by Gregg's cavalry, started on the
road to Ream's Station. No force of the
enemy was met on the route, but the roads
at various points were picketed by cavalry,
all of whom retreated as the column ad-
vanced. About noon the column reached
RowanitZ creek, over which bridge of
considerable length had to be constructed,
occupying several hours. About 3P. M. the
81 Pennsylvania cavalry, under Major Hess,
were sent out to make connection between
them and the Second corps, the I'd and Sd
divisions of which had gone out on the
| Vaughan road as far as Hatcher's run. to
demonstrate in that direction. On reach
ing the run the 1st brigade of the Sd diyis-
ion OF the I'd corps charged and took the
line OF rifle-pits on the west side, losing but
few men. They advanced about a mile
across the run, driving the enemy's pickets
before them. Here strong line of breast
works was erected in short time, making
the position perfectly secure.
The Third Pennsylvania cavarry, after
crossing short distance south of the
Vaughan road, advanced southwark and
soon met small force in ambush, which
poured sharp volley into our men, killing
two, it is said, and wounding several, be-
sides number of horses. A part of the
3D. division of the I'd corps here came to the
support of the Sd Pennsylvania cavalry,
and drove the rebels of. and soon after a
connection with the right of the 9TH corps
was reported made. Up to this time very
little fighting had taken place, the 5th corps
being scarcely engaged at all.
The ID division of the I'd corps, under
General Smyth, before reaching Hatcher's
run, turned to the right and advanced in a
northwesterly direction toward Arm
strong's mill; but before going three quar-
ters of mile the enemy were discovered
in strong position and in considerable
force, four divisions of Gen. Gordon's be-
ing reported in the vicinity. Here some of
our men erected temporary breastworks
on part of the line, while the balance had
only time to throw up small French rifle
pits. Skirmishing was going on all this
time between the enemy and our sharp
shooters.
About 4:30 o'clock the rebel batteries
opened for the purpose of developing our
position and strength but no reply was
made. The rebels at length appeared adj
vancing in line of battle, with a strong
skirmish 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 CALLING fire as to
cause then to fall back in dscord, leaving
many dead and wounded on the field. After
repeating the attempt to dislodge our men,
and falling each time, relief force was
sent round to turn the right flank of the
division. Col. Murphy, of the Goth N. Y,
commanding the I'd brigaee, was posted
here, with his right resting on swamp, and
was fully prepared for such q movement.
There again the rebels suffered severely, as
they attempted to break our live. They
were finally forced to give it up, and soon
after dark firing ceased, the rebels falling
back to their works.
Our loss during the day was quite light,
probably not over a abundred altogether, al.
though the exact number is not known
Col. Murphy was wounded in the knee, not
severely, while giving orders to his men,
His Assistant Adjutant-General, Lieut.. Nc
Parish, was mortally wounded. Lieut..
Graham, of the l4th Connecticut, was
wounded in the breast severely. Lieut..
VIM. Tibbetts, of the 10Th Massachusetts,,
and Lieut.. A. Bartlett, of the l4th Connecti-
cut were killed. The correspondent of the
New York Herald was captured, and later,
being robbed, succeeded in escaping and
reached our lines in safety. The enemy's
loss must have been very heavy, as they re-
peatedly charged our lines, each time suf-
tering severely.
We took about 20 prisoners, some of
whom report having received orders in the
morning to keep q sharp lookout, as they
believed that our army was on the move.
Gen. Smyth deserves much praise for the
manner in which he handled his division,
being himself present all over the field,
closely watching every move of the
enemy.
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 movement in
this country.
New Jersey Legislature.