The National tribune., 1906-02-01

hurried to the front, attacked promptly
by the flank, carrying the ford and
driving the hostile forces off in the d.
rection Of the Danyille road. Dark
ness, however, prevented any effective
pursuit in the unknown country, and
the troops halted for the night.
On to Amelia Court House.
Indications pointing to the concentra-
ton of Lees retreating forces at Amelia
Court House, the Fifth Corps was di-
rected on Jetersville, on the Danviile
Railroad, some eight miles southwest
Of the Court House; Crooks Division to
the same place, first striking the rail-
road toward Burke's Junction; while
Gen. Merritt with the other two divi-
sions of the corps and Mackenzie's Dr.
vision from the Army Of the James,
continued the pursuit toward Amelia
Court House. Gen. Merritt made q
bold dash for the enemys trains near
Tabernacle Church, but as they were
protected by strong force of Infantry
his success was only partial, the cav
airy being forced to withdraw after a
severe engagement.
The LIST u. S. Cav. on this day (the
4th Of ApriD accompanied Gen. Sher-
idan. marching with the Fifth Corps
until afternoon, when we trotted for
ward to Jetersville. Here We took pos
session of the station and telegraph Of
flee. and, throwing out pickets, pre-
pared to dispute the further advance
Of the Confederate army, feeling con-
fident that, with the Generals assist
ance, we should be able to do SO with
success. Here we picked up q goodly
number OF stragglers In gray uniforms,
who evidently thought the advance OF
their army was the safest place. We
were soon Joined by Crooks Division
from the direction Of Burke's Station,
which arrived at an Opportune moment
to take a hand In repelling an attack
Of Fitz Lees enterprising cavalry. The
Fifth Corps arrived before night, and
Entertainments having been thrown up,
we felt quite secure in our position.
While we were resting at Jetersville
on the night Of the 4th, the divisions
Of Devin and Custer, with Gen. Merritt,
were making an unpleasant night march
from Tabernacle Church. They came
up at an early hour on the following
morning, and the LIST u. s. Cav. was
permitted to rejoin the brigade. The
Second Corps arrived during the day.
and went into position on the left of
the Fifth, Devins and Clusters Divi-
sions Of the cavalry going out to the
left Of the infantry.
During the forenoon Daviess Bril-
gade, Of Crooks Division, was sent on
a reconnaissance to Fame's Crossroads,
some six or seven miles north of Jeters-
vile. Here he discovered the enemy's
trains moving past our left flank and
of in the direction Of Deatonsville. His
troopers went in with q yell, captured
the larger part Of the escort, and sue
ceeded in burning about 200 wagons.
among which were Gen. Lees head
quarters wagons, containing important
papers. Having started his prisoners
and captured mules back toward Jeters-
Vile, he soon found himself heavily
engaged with a superior force Of the
enemy which had started out from
Amelia Court House to head him off.
Crook went to his assistance with his
two remaining brigades. and. as the
sound OF battle reached Jetersviile, there
engagement, In preparation for which
Gen Merritt. with the divisions Of
Devin and Custer, was sent over to the
right Of the infantry to swing around
on the flank and rear of the attacking
force as 1t crowded Crook back toward
our lines. The enemy had. however,
learned prudence, and let go in time to
make good his retreat.
Lee Continues to Retreat.
On the morning Of the 9Th the Army
OF the Potomac was concentrated at
Jetersville, the Sixth Corps having come
up during the night. But Gen. Lee had
decided not to fight at Amelia Court
House, and during the night had put
his army In march for Rice's Station,
on the Lynchburg or South Side Rail-
before daylight. headed for Deatons-
vile. and having. discovered the enc
my's columns passing through that
place made . gallant attempt. q little
beyond. to reach his trainsi but they
were heavily guarded and he was oh