Year: 1865

J0e SkCONO COHPSs


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ar. william j. Starks' Despatch.


HEADQUARTERS srooND CoRPs,


In THE FIELD April !, 1885, J


THE OPENING OF THE 1sr.


The events Of the day initiated at early hour
this morning by fierce attack Of the enemy upon tho
line Of the Twenty. fourth corps, with the nten-
tion Of regaining the fort and the ground lost in
the affair mentioned in my despatch Of yes
terday. The attack was made before daylight and
doubtless expectation of surprising troops The
artillery and musxetry very severe for over one
hour but forces well prepared and the attack
ing column driven back with great loss.





Tho Second division Of this corps, the right Of which
connects with the Twenty fourth, Hachcrs rum
placed under Immediately after the attack
commenced, prepared for any emergency which might
arise.


The Fifth corps of the left towards Dnwidde
Court House. during last night for the purpose of sup
porting Sheridan, who actively engaged during
greater portion Of the day yesterday and whose losses
indicated the number Of wounded sent 70 the rear to-
day, must have been considerable.


SECOND VACATED BY nK FIFTH CORPS.
The line Of the Second drawn in about three quar-
Of me proper disposition made for the pur
pose OF protecting and left flank which had been
uncovered by Warren's movement Beyond slight skir
mishing between the pickets and little artillery prac
ce in front Of the Second DIVISION the corps has not
been engaged during the day, It's duty being limited to
holding present position and awaiting developments
from Sheridan and Warren.


RECEIVING sUPPIIEs


Advantage has been Of the quiet issue ratons
forage and ammunition, and in replenishing the
haustcd chests Of the officers. The roads between
Humphreys station and the left Of line which the
rain had rendered almost impsssabe have been
corduroyed," and In excellent condition for
the passage Of the trains


THE WOUNDED.


The wounded were brought down 70 Humphreys sta
ton to-day, for the purpose Of being sent to City Point
In the meantime the rebels have not been idle In our
front Large working parties observed this morning
engaged in repairing fort front Of the First division
line, which considerably injured by artillery
during the engagement Of yesterday This FORT which s
formidable one, commanded by our batteries
in position and completely senced by them while
the fight was going on.


DIVISION


The fight OF the First division yesterday afternoon
an extremely handsome affair, and General Humphreys
speaks in glowing terms Of the steady bravery OF
the troops. When the Third division Of the Fifth,
under General Crawford, too strongly pressed, fell
back the soldiers Of the First led by their gallant and
popular commander General Miles, advanced TO It's sup
port, and meeting the rebels flushed with their tempo
rarp success checked their advance, and moving for
ward with steady. unfaltcring steps, drove them back
the ground they had gained and advanced their
line three-quarters Of mile, when they halted in
obedience to the command which alone prevented
continuance OF their march, General Miles every
where present, personally experimenting tho move
ment His horse was killed under him; but he escaped
uninjured


DIFFICULTIES THE FIGHTING GROUND


As stated in previous DESPATCH the condition Of the
country the highest extent unfavorable for
mcnts, and It was with the greatest difficulty that the
artillery was brought the 'front.' Tho guns
raj times unlmbered and, the horses being detached
were drawn forward by the men, who worked with the
most cheerful enthusiasm and energy Tho AFFAIR has
made the troops very jubant and confident and In the
great battle which cannot be much longer delayed s
safe predict that the fact will be demonstrated that the
soldiers of tho Army of the Potomac, often belied and
oftener misled, unsurpassed In the world.


A REBEL COLONEL THOUGHT.


Colonel Elm, commanding the Fourteenth North Caro-
lima airy captured by General Sheridan during
the fight Of yesterday, and sent 10 General Hum
phreys and by him 10 army headquarters. He belonged
to the Seventh infantry before tho war; and known
by two Of the officers at corps hcadquartes He
very free and open in conversation and stated that
the rebel leaders very confident Of victory
pressed his conviction that our attempt upon Lees
muncatons would result In q complete failure, a. that
great General in long anticipation Of this movement
prepared for every possible emergency Other rebel
ofhcSs, however, wounded and In hospitals, Of
the opinion that the road will be taken In which opinion
IL Ia pleasing to remember General Grant entirely coin
cides.


large number Of contrabands Of every description
have into lines during the day. and moved down
towards City Point


BRIGADE OF BLACKS FIGHTING AoAMn THE ryrH coRyH
II stated that brigade Of colored troops nght
ing the Firth corps yesterday white troops being placed
in their rear to urge them forward Report says that
they fought admirably.


ExPEcTrSa GENERAL ATTACH ~ nxrH AND rwm
An attack the enemys works In front Of Petersburg
by the Sixth and Ninth corps anticipated at early
hour 10 morrow morning II 10 thought the cnenys line
in that vicinity greatly astenuated and that vigorous
movement will enable troops 10 reach the chy.
the attack is made Il will doubtless result in engage
mont along the entire line.