Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1865-04-13
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THE NEWS.

THE NEWS.
After the severe defeat of Gen. Lee at Pet
orsburg which completed the evacuation of
Richmond Lee started on his retreat but he
postponed bis retreat so long that when he
undertook 1t he found all his plans anticipated
and provided against. As consequence in.
stead of making good his retreat to Lynch.
burg with view of taking up a new line Of
defence just east of the blue Ridge, he has
been compelled to fight another battle, ant
experience another terrible defeat. The line
of escape southwark via the Danville Railroad
was completed cut off by Grants prompt dis
positions and therefore, Lee fed north of the
Appomattox, with view of going to Lynch
burg. To prevent his doing this, Grant
drove forward 80 fast that Sheridan had reach
ed the railroad running from Richmond to
Danville, between Amelia Courthouse and
Burkesvillc, and Meade with Grant himself
reached the Burkesville junction with the in
fantry. r.
AS the whole army following this line OF
march attempted to throw itself like an I'M
mense wall between Lees ruined forces and
the line of their retreat to Lynchburg, Lee
would have had the opt ion to fight or surrcn'
der, if Grants plans had succeeded perfectly
But our vanguard did not reach the Lynch.
burg road until most of the enemy had passed
and then Sheridan with his cavalry attacked
at once, the enemy facing about to show fight.
The infantry under Meade was soon formed
in line and engaged the foe, and desperate
battle eusued, resulting in the complete route
of the enemy, with the loss of Lieutedant Gen.
Ewcll and macy other generals Of distinction
who were captured besides fourteen pieces of
artillery and many wagons and prisoners.
This battle took place on Thursday, near
Deatonsville. Our forces engaged in this
battle we're the Second, Fifth and Sixth infan-
try corps and Sheridans cavalry. General
Meade appears to have held the Chief COM
The enemy took up n line in advance
of deep and difficulty stream, called Sailor
Creek, and being iutrenched here. Leo must
have supposea that he could make stand;
but the infantry swept over these works with
resistloss fury, while Sheridan's cavalry flank
ed them, and it was in consequence Of this
DESPERATE attack in front and flank that the
enemy lost SO many generals The enemy
was driven iu confusion several miles, until
reaching Sailor Creek Lee took up rev
line on the opposite side of the stream. Here
however he vas again at once attacked and
driven half mile further, until nightfall end
ed the days work and our troops worn out
with marching and fighting. lay down to
rest.
General Humphreys, in command of the
Second Corps closed the day with the enemy
on the opposite side of Sailor creek with artil-
lcry in position occupying heights, the bridge
partially destroyed the approaches to it block
cd up by wagons etc and the land on either
side of tho stream soft bottom. All obstacles
were overcome by Wrights flank movement
and the whole line advanced, and the enemy
forced to retreat But we must wait for full
accounts of the battles before the surrender Of
Lees army. We now rush to the result
Lee has surrendered. Hereafter all these
will be given in full, and each act
of hcroisln recorded. The time will come
when these acts will be as familiar as house
hold words-now however the record is
meagre.
Gen. Grant is doubtless occupied in carry
ing out the terms upon which Gen. Lee surrcn-
der his army. The preparation of the lists on
which the parole of officers an d men is to be
based will require some time for their compile
ton. Soon we shall hear of the final dis
bandmcnt of the Rebel army. and the NUM-
Der of men, guns, &C., included in the sur
render.