Year: 1865

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAC, /


March 26. {


The engagement here yesterday was
without doubt the most important and sue
cessful for the Union arms that has taken
place since our arrival in front of Peters
burg. Not only was the enemy met and
defeated at every point, but theresult Gem-
onstrated the fact that they have lost heart
in their cause, and that large numbers are
ready and anxious TO lay down their arms
aud give up the struggle. After they had
succeeded in gaining possession of Fort
Steadmsn, they at once fell tCssplundering
the baggage in the tents, and all thst their
officers could do would not induce them to
desist.


Those who remained in line fought with
nothing like the enthusiasm they exhibited
last summer, and many laid down their
arms at the first opportunity after resch-
ing the rear. On witnessing this the rebel
officers determined to return to their own
lines as rapidly as possible and, urging
their men over the works, managed to get
large portion of the ssssulting column
back in safety. Hundreds, however, ran
and hid in the bomb proofs, and waited
for our men to take them prisoners.


The number of prisoners brought in by
the 9th corps was reported yesterday cor
rectly at 1900. The loss in this corps is
not far from 500. The official figures not
vet being sscertsined. After the fighting
CEASED at this point Of the line, it was
thought that the attack might have been
made to cover q more important move
ment on the left, and consequently the en-
tire army we're put under arms TO be ready
for any emergency. General Humphrey
was ordered to make reconnoi
ssnce in front of his line in order to de-
velope the enemy strength and ascertain
their movements. This was done shortly
before noon, and the picket line was here
driven in or captured for considerable
distance. Our man continued to advance
and mart of the division reached and tool
nossession of 8 second line of light works
hut the rebels soon after charged the lsttel
in line of battle and forced our men bscl
To the line first taken. This was principal
r ly caused BY the fire from two bstterie
which they were enabled to throw slonl
this advance position. From this tint


until four o'clock A. n. the firing was no
, very severe, the enemy having retired II


their works, leaving strong picket lin


to hold their pits. At this hour she signs
to fail in was sounded along the rebel line
= and soon after heavy column appeared
d and, forming in line of battle advanced o


General Miles division, but they weT


gallsntly received by the heroes of tn


division, who soon drove them back in dii


order with heavy loss.


L Twice they repested the attempt to brea
Il through the line, and failing in this the
+ endeayored to turn the right flank, bV
a Cen. Miles was as ready for them here as


other points, and they finally fell back an
y disappeared, leaving their dead and man
8 wounded on the field.


r The roar of musketry was as severe an


continuous on this ground, for two


three hours, as was ever heard, and "
v. not surpassed even by that heard at t
!. battle Of the Wilderness.


General Miles, his officers and me
d particularly the Irish Brigade, received t
e. highest praise for their gallant behavior
Is this occasion. The Sd Division, under Gt


Mott, held the centre of the line and


pulsed each attack of the enemy with spiI
= although the contest here was not as d
On perste Is that in front of the lst DivisiC
set The I'd division held the extreme left
nd the line toward Hstchers Run, the brigs


commanded by General Smyth only bel