Evening star., 1865-02-09
GRANT.
of the Late Moyem ent

Particulars of the Late Movement
Correspondence of the Associated PressI
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoroM 40,
Feb. :, p. M.-The fight near Hatcher's Run
yesterday was one OF the severest that has
taken place in the army for some time, and
taxing into consideration the unfa vorable char
acter of the country through which the troops
had to move, the large force opposing their ad =
vance, it is not strange the enemy should gain
temporary advantage.
The country, from the crossing of the run to
Dabney's Mill, is very woody, with swamps
and rayines running through il in all direc-
uons: and the only road is q narrow byroad.
not wide enough to allow two wagons 10 pass,
in many places in very bad condition. Along
this road the third division of the 5th corps ad-
vanced, supported by the LIST and I'd, and also
by brigade Of the 9Th. The enemy were dri ven
to and beyond the mill on this road, about two
miles from the crossing OF the run, where our
men commenced building a line OF breast
works.
There were no less than four divisions of the
enemy opposing them, viz Mahones, Heath's,
Pegram's and Gordon's old division. The lat.
ter three opposing the 5th while Mahone's act
ing independently. engaged Gregg on the
Vaughn road for some time, when Gregg had
his cavalry dismounted and held his Opponent
back well, inflicting some loss.
Malone finding Eo chance to accom- sh any
thing in this position, wheeled, and marching
on by road, running north westwardly struck
the left flank Of the 5th corps, doubling it up
and causing it 20 tail back on the centre
The woods mere being thick as to render
tie formation OF a continuous line impossible
the command became somewhat confu 5ed, and
the heavy fire which was poured in by Ma
homes men made things still worse, and in q
few moments the entire line lett their position,
falling back toward the point from whence
they started
The fear of being cut off from the crossing al
the Vaughn road no doubt increased the con-
fusion, and for short time il seemed as though
regu lar pasic mad seized upon the men. But
on reaching the open country near the Vaughn
road, and finding no enemy there and the
bridges all safe in possession of our troops,
they bec1IGe reassured, and in a short time tho
greater part Of the corps were in line, ready to
meet the enemy as soon as he should appear.
Il few minutes after, when they did show
themselves st the edge of the woods, they were
met by such severe storm OF bullets as to send
them back very QUICKLY.
Our loss during the day amounts TO about
60, that Of Sunday 2O9, making total OF 800
killed, wounded and missing.
The loss of the enemy is not known, but Is
believed to be fully as largo ours.
We took altogether $50 priscrsrs among whom
are q um ber of officers.
NOtwiths standing q we're storm OF snow and
rain, which set in last night and continuing
ali day, freezing as it fell, the Sd division Of
the 5th corps advanced to the point It reached
yesterday, at Babney's Mills, driving the
rebels before them and into thsir works be-
ycnd.
The casualties in this affair havs not been as
yet re ported, but are said to he very few.
Tbis was all the fighting done to-day. Our
permanent lines now extend frora what was
formerly the extreme left at Fort Cummings.
on the Squirrel Leve! road, to and across
HatcbeT's, at Armstrong; MiH, with the ad-
vance we'll out toward Dabpey's Mill, g distance
of about miles, SAL OF which ground has been
wrested from the enemy the past three days,
and makes the line much safer and mere for
midabIe than heretofore. AS soon ths
weather permits, farther active movements
will no DOUBT take place in this vicinity, and
one or two more like the last will bring us
within easy striking distance of the Southside
railroad. which it is hoped will soon be il our
possession. W. ID. MUGREGCR.