The Washington herald., 1914-06-29

Gen Wilson learned from negroes that
the enemy bad infantry on the railroad,
but determined to push on The enemy.
in fact was massing cavalry ard IN
fantry to bar his way, Before he had
reached the vicinity or stony Creek sta
ton he was attacked by cavalry under
Gen. Wade Hampton. near Sappony
Church a hard ngnt Followed, lasting
until late at night
Finding his direct road barred, Gen.
Wilson turned on to the left. OF west
ward. hoping by detour to reach 4
road that would take him across the
railroad at Reams Station He now
feared that the Federal plan for seIzing
the railroad had failed. and was con-
cerned for the safety of his command
Hampton. detecting his movement at
daylight. struck him sharply in flank,
and followed him two miles, but later
turned on to another road and disap-
peared.
On approaching Reams Station Gen.
Wilson found his fears well grounded.
The enemy held the railroad. Hampton
was there before him. So also was a
heavy s<irmish line Of infantry. with a
battle line behind IT, Beyond them could
be seen numerous cavalry. drawn up on
the road to Petersburg. Virtually an
the Confederate cavalry was there, be-
sides Gen. William Mahone's division of
infantry from the Petersburg lines.
Expecting help from the Army of the
Potomac. for he was now not more than
eight miles from his headquarters. Gen.
Wilson partly intrenched his position and
made use Of his artillery to delay close
action.
Calling one of his most active aids,
Capt. E. W. Whitaker. Of the First Con-
necticut Cavalry. Gen. Wilson ordered
him to ride TO headquarters with q re-
quest for all Taking an escort of forty
men from the Third New York Cavalry.
Capt Whitaker dashed through the lines
OF the enemy. where both cavalry and
infantry were in motion
Half his escort were lost. but with the
others he rode at top speed to Gen
Meade's headquarters.
His appearance there relieved a tension
that had been felt for a week for Gen.
Wilson'S safety. Orders we're issued for
a division of the Sixth Corps to march
at once to Reams Station. The rest OF
the corps was to follow as soon as II
could be withdrawn from the works.
Meanwhile affairs with Wilson had be-
come so critical that ne could not wait
for help. Cavalry under Gen. Fitz Hugh
Lee had turned his position and attacked
him from the rear, while the infantry
prepared to advance.
Whatever could he done to save the
command. now virtually surrounded.
must be done quickly. Ordering his wag-
ons burned. Gen. Wilson gave the word
for the retreat to begin.
There was much confusion among the
Federals as they broke through the en-
circling lines of the enemy and took the
road to the rear.
KautZ's command became separated
from Wilson's Guns Of both divisions
were mired in swamps or stuck in woods,
spiked and abandoned. Kautz made a
dash to get around the flank Of the enc
my in his front, and succeeded in doins
so. reaching a road by which he rode
direct into the Federal lines
Gen. Wilson was not so fortunate. The
enemy clung to him. His route was south
ard. taking him farther away from the
army with every mile. He hoped. by
twice crossing the Nottaway River, TO
shake OF his pursuers. This eventually
he was destined TO do. though not with
out great stress and labor.
CGen. Wilson's retreat will be further
described July p
Tomorrow Resignation of Secretary
Of the Treasury Chase.
CCopyasht. lsliJ