The New York Herald Newspaper, March 28, 1865, Page 1

HE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 10,438. GRANT. THE REBEL DASH ON SATURDAY. THE HERALD DESPATCHES. What the Rebels First Ac- complished. Fort Steedman and a Mortar Battery Cap- tured, Battery Nd. 10 Rendered Untenable and Fort Has- kell Bombarded. WHAT THE REBELS AFTERWARDS LOST. Hartranft Ordered to Recover the Lost Ground. Fort McGilvery and Batteries No. 8 and No. 9 Co-operate. ALL OF THE LOST GROUND RETAKEN. o~— “we 4 The Rebels [ut Of and Surrender. ~\ THREE THOUSAND PRISONERS TAKEN, Assault on the Enemy’s Lines by the Second and Sixth Corps. The Rebel Intrenchments Cap- tured and Held. Splendid Conduct and Promptness of the _ Union Divisions Engaged. President Lincoln Reviews a Portion of the Fifth Corps Massed for Action. Mrs. Lincoln, Mrs. Grant and Other Ladies View Part of the Fight from % Fort Wadsworth. THE CASUALTIES. NEW YORK, TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1865. killed and wounded, and a few missing. The enemy's Joss in killed and wounded on this part of the line alone {e about double this. ‘This movement was made tn the bellef that the enemy had detached heavily from this part of his line for the assault on our right. But their works were found to be still strongly manned, Goneral Wright also advanced‘his skirmish line, under heavy fire of musketry and artillery, and carried and held the enemy’s intrenched picket line in his front, capturing four hundred and sixteen prisoners. His own loss was small, The promptitude with which the several corps of the Army of the Potomac moved to their proper positions argues well for the state of their efficiency and discipline, and bespeaks success in the ensuing campaign. ‘THE PRESIDENT AND LADY VISIT THE HEADQUABTERS OF GENERAL MEADE. The President and Mrs. Lincolu, accompanted hy Geno- ral Grant and staff, and Mrs, Grant, and Mrs, Rawlivs, visited General Meade’s headquarters yesterday, and will probably go to General Ord’s to-day. GHRRIDAN’S MOVEMENTS, Genoral Sheridan reached Harrison’s Landing, on the dames iver, yesterday, 4 FORT STEEDMAN. Mr. Theodore C. Wilson’s Despatch. Fort Sreepmax, Berons Perenssvrc, * “March 25—Noon. ‘The stillness of the past fow weeks was this morning broken by an attack from the rebel side, bold and flerce in ite.character, but ending in defeat and disgrace to those who made it. PREPARATIONS BY THE ENEMY. For several days past the corps commanded by tho rebel General Gordon has held a position in front of the right and right centre of the line of tho Army of the Potomac. To-day, some two hours before daylight, this corps was silently and promptly formed for a charge. Everything being ready and the proper disposition of the several divisions and brigades having been carefully made, the order “Forward” was given. At this time the firet streak of dawn appeared in the cast. It was not one of those bright, golden tints that are found when a smiling sun is rising to cheer and warm, but a dull, hoavy light—the usual accompaniment of cloudy wea- ther, ‘THB ENEMY OUTSIDE HIS Without arousing alarm or suspicion, the rebel troops got safely out to the line of works thrown up for tho pro- tection of their skirmishers. At a givon signal they bounded over these, and, rapidly cutting gaps in their own chevaus-de-frise, pressed on with a yell towards our line. THE ATTACK. | After considerable delay terms were agreed upon ang | hundred prisoners were captured, of whom at least sixty the dead and wounded collected. Connected with this tlag of truce there was much of an interesting character. It was sent out directly in front of Fort tteedman, and remained there some thirty minutes before it was recognized. During this period your correspondent took occasion to pass without our lines, SCENE PRESENTED BY THB RATTLE ¥IRLD. Standing between the twoines he witnessed a scene that was anything but gratifying to the human eye. Looking to the Union side, thousands of men were beheld crowded upon the parapets of the Union works, and oc- cupying all positions available to sight-seeing. Crowded among this vast number were both officers and men, some of the officers being mounted. Turning to where were officers, Many stands of color®and immense num- bers of small arms also fel! into our hands. In the final charge Major Arthur McClellan, of General Wright's staff, and Captain A. ¥?. Tyler, of General Wheaton’s staff, took part, and a rebel colonel surrendered to them. Colonel Morehead, of the Fifty-third North Carolina; Colonel H. A. Brown, First North Carolina, and Lieutenant Colonel W. P. Moseley, Twenty-first North Carolina, were among the rebel officers captured. Colonel Morehead, after his capture, sald the rebel column had, {a his opinion, been completely annihilated. INCIDENTS OF THR FIGHT. Captain Joseph F. Carter was captured by the rebels ~#arly in the fight, but afterwards managed to escape and captured two rebel Dattle flags, one belonging to the Fif- That portion of the Union line attacked was occuplod by” Mops of the Ninth army corps. The attack being sudde,” 4nd totally unexpected, and made in almost over. whelming” force, caused our skirmish line to give way be- fore the res.%fV@ could be got up to support it. Phe rebels, noting their success, pressed on with vigor, and succeeded in brakes our line, at a point just this side of Fort Steedman, es TST ata < tar soft Or cre coNrict. This side of the Appomattox river, on the ‘ront line, are two strong works; then comes Fort Mo(ilvery, and to the left of the latter are Batteries Nos. 8, 9, 10, Fort Steedman, battery No. 11, a mortar battery and Fort Haskell, This embraces a frontage of about one mile and a quarter ip Jengta, {_was on this line that the whole of the fighting was 4 J THE EWRMY IN OUR ADATIB. Reaching our abatis the Ghemy Poured in “a Tér- rific volley, while thotr pioneors, under a heavy return fire, cut it away—thet fa, they made many largs gaps in it, sufficient im size and namber for the casy passage of large bodies of troops. It was but the work of a vory few minutes for them to force oar main line, which they did, making @ broach at a point not far to the left of Fort Steedman, T! $s located on a rise of ground nearly opposite to © will. fi Attack ox vorT sreRDMAN, Breaking through on the left of this work, the enomy passed round to a travelted road and captared the fort by charging fromthe rear, through the regular entrance. So rapidly was this accomplished that the offosr in com- mand of the fort, Major Randall, togethor with Goneral McLaughlin, and a number of mon, were taken prison. ers. Immediately ancoseding tho attack General Mc- Laughlin, who bad command of the line just to the left of where it was foroad, hurried into Fort Steedman, and ~ GAMES OF SOME OF THE WOUNDED, | vias giving orders and’ cheering the mou up to the last Key key &e minute befase be was captured. THR RAEMY FORMS DF LINE OF BAPTLA 4KD OPENS FROK STARMAN. THE OFFICIAL REPORTS. Beoretary Stanton to Major Generai Dix. Sy Major General Joux A. Dix :— @he following official reports of nporatians of the Army @f the Potomac on Satarday, aod of General Sherman’s Qperations since he left Fayetteville, have been received this morning. [See another columa for despatch about Sberman.—£p. Hewirv.) ‘General Sherman was a Gokisboro on the 221 of this month. Wo movements have been made on either sida before Gichmond or Petersburg sineo Saturday night. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. _ err Porsy, March 27~10:90 A. M. Hon. E. M. Ssantam, Secretary of War:— The battle of the 26th resulted in the following losecs ‘on our side:— Second Corps—Kilted, $1; wounded, 462; missing, 177. Math Corpr—Killed, 47; wounded, 401; missing, 80. Ninth Corpt—Killed, 68; wounded, 833; missing, 506. Our captures by the Second corps were 065; by the Bixth corps, 460, and by the Ninth corps 1,049. The Second and Sixth corps pushed forward and cap- tured the enomy’s strong tntrenchinents and tumed It against him and still hold it In trying to rotake this the battle was continued until cight o'clock at night, the enomy losing very heavily. Humphreys estimates the loses of tho enemy in his front at three ttmes his own, and Genoral Wright, in his front, as double that of ours. The enemy brought in a fiag of truce for permission to collect his dead, which were betwoen their picket line and their main Ine of fortifications, Permission was granted. U. 8 GRANT, Lieutenant Genoral. THE HERALD REPORTS. CITY POINT. Mr. 8S. Cadwallader’s Despatch. City Pot, March 26, 1966. « TRE NATURS AND RESULTS OF SATORDAY'S FIONT, At half-past four o'clock yesterday morning the onomy, with four divisions, under Goneral Gordon, attacked Fort Bteedman, on the right of the Petersburg line, and in frontof the Ninth corps, capturing the fort and guns, and turning the guns upon us. At the same time they assaulted Fort Haskell, in front of General Willoox's divi- sion, but wore repulsed with heavy loss. Fort Hagkell ‘was carrisoned by a part of General McLaughlin's brigade. ‘Two brigades of General Hartranft's division wore im- ‘Wodlately put in, and recaptured the fort and guns, to. gether with oightecn hundred rebel prisoners and e'ght Datehy flags. Tho guns were aninjured. The enemy's Joss itt kilied and wounded was fully one thousand. Our own lose is sixty-eight killed, three hundred and eighty-seven wounded, and four hundred and ninety. six missing. Among our losses by capture is Brigadier Generel McLaughlin, captured in Fort Btoedman. As soon as it was known that the enemy's attack on Fort Steedman was in strong force the Second corps, under Major General Hum- phreysh was advanced towards the enemy's works in ite front, diving in their pickets, carrying the intrenched picket line} which he held at eight o'clock last evening, and capturfog six hundred prisoners. WeTIMATE OF LOHeRR, Our loss is getimated at four hundred and Afiy in On gaining possession ef Fort Stecdman the enemy extended a line of battle, facing weet by a litt south, from the fort along the hill, ever to a line of beeast- works, amd beltind the latter. At the seme time the guas of Fort Steedinan were turued upon Battery No. 10, and with effect, for our were hastily driven out. Battery Ne. 10 was commanded by Captam Joho MM. Twiss. In it were four eight-inch mortars and diree cohorn morturs. These tho enoauty got, and fur a short time held possession of them. ‘When the rebol Hne was formed, and the enemy stil! in possession of Fort stoedman and the mortar battery, he was also busy extending Isis line in the direotion of Meade station and the rrilroard. ‘THR REBEL ABTACK ON BaTTELINS wos. 8 AND 9. Anothor rebel tine was also formed and charged against batteries Nos. 8 and 9, both in charge of Ltcute- pant Aurow. This rebel gadvance was cheoked. The enemy got within two hundred yards of battery No. 0 and five hundred yards of battery No. 6 During the attack just roferted to a telling fire was poured in from Fort MoGiwery. It was to a great extent an enfllading es POSITION OF APPAIRS AT SEVEN A. M. ‘This was about seven o'clock, At this juncture our position was not a flattering one. Tho onemy had Droken our line, captured two or three works, taken some four or five hundred prisoners, was threatening our forts close to the Appomatox, and attempting to ex- tend his line over to the railroad near Meade station. BRINPORCEMENTS, were now brourht up. So far bit asmail portion of the Ninth corps were engaged. The reinforoaments were from General Hartranft's command, Third division, Ninth corps. Some time was consumed in forming and arranging, not merely to cheok the rebel advance, but to regain the captured forte. During this period no less than three general officers (rebels) were in Fort Steed- man, giving ordors, urging their men up, while no small number of the rebel privates gave more attention to plun- dering than to obeying orders. WARTRANYT ORDERED TO RECOVER THE LOST GROUND. The reinforcements having been promptly formed tn readiness and position for action, General Hartranft re- ceived orders from General Parke to move on to the re- capture of the lost ground. On the left of General Hart- ranft was a portion of General Wilcox’s division, This materially coutributed to the success of the day, THR CHARGE. Goneral Hartranft made the advance as ordered. As he did so a terrific fire was opened on Fort Steedman and ‘| battery No. 10 from one of our reserve works, and from batteries Nos. 8 and 9 and Fort McGilvery. The charge by the infantry wes admirably executed, and the firing from the battories remarkably precise, THE WORKS RECAPTURED. The robels could not remain under the heavy fire from our guns, and when at last they commenced to fall back the infantry flanked the fort, and cut olf a large body of the rebel troops, who, including many officers, fell into our hands as prisoners of war. We also took several battle fags. THE REBRL ATTACK. It was Goneral Gordon, in porson, who commanded the Pobel attack. ‘TRARIOUR PUNISIMENT OF THE ENEMY. The rebels suffered terribly. Our men literally slaugh- tered them as they retreated for their works. ouR TRIUMPH. By half-past eight the engagement was ended. FLAG OF TRUCK FROM THE ENEMY, At about ten o'clock General Gordon sent out a fing of trace. The same was in charge of Major Douglas, Assis- tant Adjutant General, on the staff of General Gordon. The fing was received by Major and Assistant Adjutant Goneral Bertolette, of General Hartravft’s staff. Major Douglas prosented a request in writing, from General Gorton, seeking permission to gather in the dead at wounded between the two Maes belonging to the revela the rebel line was located, but afew hundred yards dis- | ¢y-ret Virginia and another to the Twenty-first North tant, a similar scene was prosented. In frontof the | Carolina Febel line, Just outside of the skirattea line, stood three | very officer belonging to the Twenty-seventh Maasa- rebel officers, one of these being Major Douglas, in | Ghusetis Volunteess was captured, and all but two after- charge of the flag of truce. There was now no firing, nor | wards ancaped jeg there any attempt at it, between the hoatile parties. Captain HY. ee ordnance officer on the staff of the right of F : ¥ 4 gl ort Sivodman i an open plata. On | general Wicox, cotta, 5¢ Sa Sie Mafor Hobart this plain hundreds frdin both sides ran out to succor | gon, of tho Twenty-ninth the Wounded and behold the killed. Moving to the left Captain Joseph I. Johnson, of the One Hundredth brings us upon a sloping hill. On this hillside lay large | Pennsylvania, captured a battle flag of the Fifth Virginia, numbers of rebels, writhing in pain and covered with | Private J. B. Chambers, of Company F, samo regiment, Glotted blood, Keeping onj leftward we reached | captured a flag bolonging to the First Virginia, Corporal tho brow of the hill, and this brings us | w B, Dewrie, of Gomy A, brought in a rebel flag directly in, front of Fort Steodman. The | inf with part of & colof attached, and another bauls distance between these two lines 1s astonish- | ‘fag was captured by Color Sergeant Charles Oliver, of ingly short. The ground was strewn with arms and | Company M, One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteors. Plentifully covered with cartridge boxes and other 4 REREL GENERAL REPORIED KILLED. accoutrements. In every ditch lay numbers of the Prisoners report that the rebel General Terry was enemy's dead and wounded. In one particular spot, Just | killed this morning while endeavoring to rally his mon. in front of his own works, no leag than fifty were made FORT STREDMAN APTRR THE FicHT. to bite the dust, and they remained there, commented By fifteen minutes past eight o’clock the had all upon by both sides pending the truce. been either killed, wounded, captured or back. At the first broastwork outside of Fort Steedmaa lay & | Tho Hine was again reformed, and surgeons and chaplains Cohorn mortar. It had boon carried hore from out of the | wore ministering to the wants of the wounded, both rebol fort. The rebels designed to take it away, but were folled | and Union. Fort Steedman presented a vivid picture inthe attempt by the sharpness of our enllloding fire. | of the ravages of war. Dead and wounded men were Not the least intoresting portion of the scene was to ob- | lying in and around it, and the ground in many places gorve the gaps in the chevaur-defrise of the enemy's | was soaked in blood. Small arms, ammunition, cooking line, as also the gaps in the abatis of our own line. | utensils, regimental documents and fragments of shells, From these gaps it could ho easily noted whore the | wore scattered about in every direction. Every officer and enemy had poured in and ou! in going both ways, In | private had lost something, elthor horses, clothing or front of the gaps on the enemy's side lay many dead and | equipmoats, and all were alike indignant. The roofs of wounded. These had been thus caught in the course of | their houses had in many instancos been perforated by their retreat. It was evident our men pressed them very shells, and almost chimney was shattered. But hard and to the last minute. the rebels had not in carrying off a single piece THE REBEL SOLDIERS COMMUNICATIVE. of artillery, Not long after the flag of truce had been gent out, REBEL FLAG OF TRUCE. many of the rebel privates left their line, and walked A fing of truce was displayed from tho rebel works out to communicate with our men, and not perhape very | shortly after the attack had been repulsed, and psrmis- Birange to relate, somo fifty or more forgot to go back. | Mon was*asked for them to bo allowed to bury their One party, stx or eight tn number, providing themselves | dead who had been killed between the lines. This was with canteens, rushed out to give tho wounded water. | granted; and burying parties from both armies were soon On arriving in the midst of a body of Yankees, where | engaged on that melancholy duty. While doing so they somo rebel wounded lay, they found they had no water | Occasionally entered into conversation with each other; in their canteons, and hastily made for the Union side to | When the rebel Major General Walker rode out, and com- fill them, As they did so one of our men remarked:— | manded hia men to goon with their work, ‘‘as he would “You damned fool, don’t you know {f you go there | not allow any such damned nonsense as that.” Mo'll ke»p you’ The interregated kept on, and with a GTREXGTHRAING THR LING, simitar exprogsjon of countenance gaidi—‘-1 don't care Reinforcements were on their way to this part of the @ dann if you dot” line shortty after the attack commenced, but their sor- ‘The rebel officers ta charge of the flag of truce, ob- | vicos wero fortunately not required. General Wheatou's derving that nome of their mon were trying to desert, | division of the Sixth corps and a brigade of cavalry ordered all the rebels back to the rebel line. The | remained within eupporting distance for sdme time, Union soldiers, observing this, went back too, and | during which they were occasionally visited by a Whit- the space between the two Hines was then left compara- | Worth bolt from the rebel batteries. tively clear, Soou eee some amall anus digs GUMMARY OF TdE AFPAIR. ——e TURE C38 ee charged at those at the right fore ape | Ninth corps Toagon to be proud of itgaue- Within our own linos we found a vory large number oh ee Seer ‘Shortest and inmost severe of Kitled and wounded. Both were properly and promptly | cagagements of the war, and reflects infinite credit on all cared for. THE EXEMY'S 1088. The total rebol lass will reach between six end seven thousand. This includes killed, wounded and prisoners. Wo have taken many officers,.some of them high in rauk, Also, five or more stand of colors. OUR Loses. Our boas will not exoced one thousand. ‘The day's werk, so far, has been a glorious one. THE NINTH CORPS. My. Oharies H. Hannam's Despatch. Heapguarters, Nevru Atsy Conre, Near Persnasunc, March 26, 1965. } THR RECRL ATTACK ON THE MONTH CORPS. Arebol column, about three thousand strong, under command of Major General Gordon, made an attack on the front of the Ninth corps shortly after four o'clock ths morning. The rebel onset was midden, over- whelming, and partially succesaful. The pickots had re- ceived orders not to fre unless there was some neces- sity for doing #0, and the night had been a remarkably quiet one ail along the tine. ‘TUR POINT OF ATEACK was Fort toodman, dear Mendes station. That part of the line is held by tho Third brigade, of the First divi- sion, Geroral Wilcox-commanding. Fort Steedman is a square work, covering nearly one acre of grouad, Mt was garrisoned chiofly by the Feurtecnth Now Yark boavy artillery, onder command of Major Randall. The pieces in & wore brass Napoloong, three inch rifles and siege mortars. Immediatety to the left of the fort ts a work known as Battery No. 11. The rebets entered both on the right and left flank of Fort Steedman, tearing down te abattis in sevoral places. ONSET OF THK ATRAOK. It ts supposed that the rebels hada twofold object in making this attack. First to destfoy some portien of General Grant’s military railroad, which & here only three-quarters of a mile from thetr main line ; and, second. ly, to capture the headquarters of General Wiloox. How they failed in both I will now proceed to explain. ‘THX REEL CHANG, Under cover of the darkness Gordon massed his men, and they passed rapidly over the short space of ground between ther works and ours. The ground is remark: ably well adapted for ench a movement, boing full of ravines, The rebels made good use of every advantage, and entered our works along with such of our pickets as had not been wounded or captured. Their next move- ment was to close in on the rear and enter Fort Stedman. The movoment was a successful one, and the work fell into their hands. Major Randall was seized by some of the rebels and tosse# over the parapet into the ditch, His head struck the soft muddy bottom without injuring him tn tho least, and he escaped immediately afterwards. The bombproofs and magazines wore then entered by a great number of the rebels, while others turned the guns of the fort on Fort Haskell, anothor of our large works, about haifa mile to the left. A flerce artillery duel en- sued, and amidst its noise and smoke the work of plun- dering the officers’ quarters went briskly on. CAPTURE OF GENERAL M’LOUGHIIN. While the above scenes were being enacted, Gonoral hundred men they completely annihilated a rebel column three thousand strong, and bave taught them another Jesson of what oan be achieved by the veterans of the Army of the Potomac. “UBT OF CASUANTIRG TN THE CORPS, ‘With thie despatch I forward you a list of casuatios, and regret to sy that many of the men are dadly hart. An unusual per centage of the wounds were inflicted on ‘the head. There are large numbers of rebel wounded now in the Ninth oorps hospitala, where they receive the fame care and attention from Dr. White and othor medi- cal gentlemen of the corps as our own wounded do, THE SIXTH CORPS, Mr. Chas, H. Hannam’s Despatch. meat tons aon as | ‘A YIQUT ON TUR Larr, Just four hours after the rapulse of the rebel attack on the right of our lines the thunder of artillery and the crash of muskotry again rolied loudly on the ohidly March air, This tim, however, everything was reversed. The ‘sounds cathe ffbm the left, nit the right; we were the attacking patty, Got eB robots, and the ground we won an not recovered by the febolx, anil is now bakd by tise Sixth corpa, which Knows no such word as fall when Ordered to the assautt. 'rs opsact. ‘The object of thts demonstration on our part was for the purpose of preventing the rebels massing their troupa, and at the same to ascortain, ff postble, thelr strength. THR GROUND GAINNO. ‘The rebel ine which we took, and vow hotd, is constd- erably in advanee of our mainline. They had erected an elaborate series of rite pits, bohiad which, and onteide of thoir main line, # would have beon quite possible, had they so desired it, to have mamed twenty thoumnd mea, as they are built much further from their main line than are our own works of animilar character. They were driven out of these works and compelled to take shelter within their forta, or else be captured. The majority proferred the latter alternative. THR SCRE Ow THE PKONT. Our position, from which the atiack was made, waa at the extreme left angle of our works. At this point our ines are only about two milos from the Southside Rail- toad, The groand in fromt is more level than ts usually seen in this part of the country, and the wood has toa great axtent been cleared away. From the nature of the position, the rebel batteries to a certain extent enfilade our works, and many of our camps are within easy artillery range. One of our largost works at this point is Fort Fisher, to the left of which are a number of thirty pounders, which did great execution within the rebel lines today. To the left of this heavy battery is Fort Welsh, which is a the ex treme angle, an1 the first fort on our reversed rear line 1s Fort Grogg. Tbe left of the Sixth corps here connects with the right of the First division of the Second corps, which advanced simultaneously with this corps. GENERAIA ARRIVING ON THR FIELD, About two o'clock Major Goueral Wright and staff reached Fort Fisher, whero he was immediately joined the troops engaged. With a boas of a little over six hun- | McLoughlin, commanding the Third brigade of General Wilcox's division, proceeded to make a proper disposi- tion of his troops to repel the attack. He rode out to the breastworks and into Battery No, 11, just to the left of Fort Steedman, to ascertain the position of the rebels. Thoy were, however, already inside the battery, and captured him before he had time to turn his horse round. Lieutenant Thomas Sturgis, aid,de-camp on his staff, was captured at the same time, It is believed they were sent off to the rear immediately. REPULSE OF TIE RENEIA, The command of the brigade then devolved on Colonel Robinson, of the Third Maryland battalion, who had only returned from a furlough the evening before. The rebels were by this time pressing forward, not only towards the railroad, but also in the direction of the Third brigade headquarters, The Twenty-ninth, Fifty-seventh and Fifty-ninth Massachusetts, Third Maryland battalion, One Hundredth Pennsylvania and a part of the Four. teenth New York heavy artillery, were formed in line, and holding the rebele in check, although their skirmish line was within fifty yards of the brigade headquarters, and some of their men had succeeded in outing the telegraph wire, The robels cheered wildly, ‘and for a short time fought with energy and determina tion, Some Pennsylvania regiments, of General J. F. Hartranft's divirion (the Third), came up and tufned the tide of battle. The rebel line was charged with great vigor, when they immediately broke aud ran, The rout was complete, and the demoralization of the robel nn never excelled. They endeavored to get back to thetr own Tine, but not more than about flve hundred acceaded in doing 80. Regimental and company officers ai discretion, col and privates surreuderes About fifteen by Generals Wheaton, Seymour, Getty, Keifer, Grant and others attached to the corps. The picket line, at this time opposite the angle, was composed of the Tenth Vermont and Fourteenth New Jersey, supported by por- tions of the One Hundred and Tenth and One Hui and Twenty-socond Obio Volunteers. ‘THE OPENING ASSAULT ON THE ENEMY. ‘The first @sault on the rebel line of rifle pits was made by the above mentioned troops, all under command of Lieutenant Colonel George B. Damon, of the Tenth Ver. mont Volunteers, They charged the rebel position with great gallantry and success, entering aid occupying the Ine. But the rebols becoming aware of the weakness of the attacking party massed a large and overwhelming body of troops, and our men were compelled to fall back té.their original position. This they did in good order, and although the majority of them had been on picket for many hours, they showed @ steady and bold front to the enemy, THR ARTILLERY OPKNE Tho artillery in the different forts had by this time be- come warmly engaged with the rebol batteries, and a company of the Ninth New York heavy artillery, in charge of the thirty pounders, sent a shell with such ac. curacy aa to blow up a caisson in one of the rebel works. THE BEOOND CORFE RNGAGED, Shells were soreaming through the «ir and away to the left volleys of musketry told that the Second corps had become engaged STMANGTIENING THR LANE OF ATTACK. A stronger attacking line Was required and reinforce ments were rapidly arriving, Fart of the third division (General Traman Seymour's et command) was placed on the left of the line to eon PRICE FOUR CENTS. with the Second corps. It was composed of the Tenth of the enemy’s attack this mornyng upon the Ninth corps Vermont, Fourteenth New Jersey, One Hundred and front, the breaking through our line near Fort Steedinan, Tenth, One Hundred and Twenticth and One Hundred | the subsequent Spirited rally of our troope, and their and Twenty-second Ohio, Sixth Maryland and part of the | splendid counter charge, compelling speedy withdrawal Ninth New York heavy artillery. This comprised nearly | of the victorious assailants, although greatly outnumber- the whole of General Keifer’s brigade, and also two regi- ing our forces, with discomfiting and disastrous loss, ments of Colonel Truax’s. Before daylight the roar of the distant cannonading ‘The centre of the line was formed by the Second, Third | reached us, and the rattle of the sharp musketry; and and First brigades of General Getty’s division, and the | then came the “long roll,” nearer aud clearer, and sum- Tight by two brigades, the Second and Third of General | moning to support of the Ninth corps the veleran troops Frank Wheaton’s division. When the line was fully | of the Sixth corps. Half au hour later and the “long formed and everything in readiness the flag of the | roll”—that same indescribably wild, excited, incessant, Second brigade, Third division, was waved ag a signal for | stirring sound of drums—reverberated through the camps: the troops to move forward, of this corps, Every one is roused by this sound. The THE CHARGE AND ITS RESULT. blood leaps tumultuously through the most sluggish From the parapet of Fort Fisher the blue crossed flag waved, and from the thousands of brave men about to risk life and limb came back @ ringing jer, And ag on- ward they swept many @ ‘God speed” followed them, The bation on Dou ign more hard work apd not many minutes elapsed before the abarper ring of small arms was heard. The line was fast closing on the rebel rae and 9 few minutes would g2rve to show what ‘success would be, Another cheor from our troops, and « simultaneous volley of musketry from both sides, and the works were reached. Colonel B. F. Smith, of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Ohio Volunteers, and Major Clifton K, Prentiva, of the Sixth Maryland Volunteers, ware tho first to enter the robel lines. An entrance gained, the rebels started, and the works were ours, Scores of the rebels preferred being captured to running away, and as soon as they saw our troops in- aide their Unes they threw down their arms, and gavo themselves up as priconers of war. We have, however, to rogret the loss of many brave and good meu on thls occasion, among whom is Colonel Dwight, of the Ono Hundred and Twenty-second regiment New-York Volunteers. No more popular gentleman or accompliehed soldier has given his life to his country than Calonel Dwight, who was killed to-day while leading bie regiment in the charge which resulted so gloriously. LO88R3 ON BOTH HIDES. Ba At this early hour after the fight {t is imposstble to tell what our loses will amount to. The list of casualties which I forward with this is complete, and, as you will observe, they were particularly heavy in the Second division—Genoral Getty's. We took abont four huadrod and twenty prisoners from the rebeis, including several commissioned officers, all of whom geemod only too glad to be captured Many rebel wounded also fell into our hands. The wounded were ail sent immodiately to the division hospitals, where every preparation had beon made for their comfort by Dr. 8. A, Holman, Medical Director of the corps, who was ably and zealously as- sisted by Doctors Redford Sharpe, Willard A. Childe and others. MORALS OF LER’s TROOPS, ‘The result of this fight Las proved that the enthusiasm and energy of Lee's army are dwindling down to zero. They fight Nke hopeless, not desperate, meu, and the spirit which animated them two years ago has boon ) had shared the joy of their triumphs. | Mrs, Grant broken by repadled defeata and tamed by short rations. Even their artillery is not served with the old time energy and precision; and but little doubt need be enter- tained of the truth of the statement of deserters, who are constantly asserting that they are all tired of fighting. Sqrvay Momxma~s A.M. THE NWW POUTION HELD, “* veins, Every soldiey knows the sound, every soldier obeys it, LEAVING CAMP, A brief time, and the three divisions of the eorps were fn march} column, General Crawford's division leading, General next and General Griffin's last. General Crawford's division moved to the vicinity of Fort Station, and General Ayres’ to Fort Dushane. General Griffin's division was recalied, and assigned to General Humphreys, to aid in gn ettack arranged to be made ou our extreme left. PRESIDENT LINCOLN REVIRWS TILE THIRD DIVIBION. The forenoon rolled away, and there was no resump- tion of hostilities, About two P. M., as General Craw- ford’s division lay massed awaiting orders, President Lin- coln, who, with Lieutenant General Grant, was at General Mesde's headquarters, expressed a desire to review it. The wish was gratified, and in its gratification he ex- pressed himself exceedingly pleased with the,firm, sol dierly bearing and splendid discipline of both officers and mea, The soldiers were hearty in their welcoming cheers of the Commander-in-Chief of all the armies of the United States. It was a most agreeable as well as en- couraging spectacte—agreeable because it was unexpect- ed, and encotiraging as regards the President, particu lurly because his presence on such an occasion showed that in the prosent crisis, when no one could tell what fierce onslaught of battle any moment might bring forth, he was not afraid to show bimself among them, und will- ing to share their dangers here, as often, far away, he Mrs, Lincoln and with other ladies, were of the reviewing par- Ly, whove presence also showed—if the word is allowable ih Luis connection—a manly courage, Subsequently the Indies and their masculine escort, all aglow with glitter- ing stars and buttons, and to whom General Warren now joined himself, went to Fort Wadsworth, noar by, from which could be seen our own and the enemy's pickets and the exchange of hostile shots. It was an exciung spectacle to the ladies,” and one that is likely to live long in their memories. CRAWFORD ORDERSD TO SUPPORT TM SIXTIT CORPR General Crawford's division afterwards was sent to support the Sixth corps in case its services were needed. It remained there till after dark, when it returned to camp, General Ayres’ division returned to camp at about the same time. Neither have fired a gun during the day, but have been in readinvee to do it, and have shown this readiness by several miles of marchin y. ATTACK WY OUR FORCES, About noon General Humphreys began his attack. De- coriptions of this attack and the fighting of the afternoon, and brisk skirmishing even now, at nie P. M,, ast write, Ihave to leave to the correspondent with this The new position guined and occupied by this corps | Corps, and the auxiliary attack by the Sixth corps to the last ovening is now held Dy a strong body of our troops, who will be able @ repel any attack the rebels may make, THE SECOND CORPS, Mr. Wm. Jd. Starks’ Despatoh. Heapguarrens, Secowp Conve, March 96, 1806. ‘Tae wort OF THX SROOND CORFE. sit down at a bate hour this evoniag to give you the correspondent of the latter corps. In none of the Hatcher's run fights heretofore has there been 9uch rour of cannon and such savage and incessant outbursts of musketry. THE FIGUTING. Our men fought splendidly and successfully, as will be soen by the reports of the correspondents with the corps who did the day’s fighting on this part of our line, About dark Genoral Griffin's division participated in the fighting, the brigados commanded resp ctively by Brevet dotails of a fight with the rebels which commenced at | Major General Bartlett, Brigadier Genoral Chamberlain, about half-past mine o'clock this moraiag, and continued, ‘with ¢light interruption, until evenitg, culminating in Tepeated changes of the onomy, which were as often handsomely repulsed by our brave veterans. DIR BEOOND CORRS GALLD OUT. At four o'cook this mapaing we wore aroused from our stumbers by the sownd of heavy and continned artillery tring ou the Ninth corps’ Croat, apposite Poters- Durg, and soon after, in noccortunce with ordore from army headqaarters, the entire corps was standing nuder arma Daylight fonad as with tomta struck, baggage packed and every ome prepare’ for an jostant start. News sooa after reached us that the enemy hat attacked the Niuth corps in forsee, and had sacceoded in captuciag Fort Steedman. The usual trains did not arrive from City Point and a good deal of anxiety waa felt. Imnto- diate preparations wore made by General Humphreys to take adtantage @f the probate couocntr@ion of troaps On our right and ateck the Phomy @ this point. Chaco proparm@idtis were, however, not oosmpléted are the wel. come news arrived that the Siinta corps bed succecdied in Griving the onemy back, expturing the frt and catab- lishing ta oft Hwa. TUX MXTY-dseT Sew YORE GaoUNROrTUM. At half-past nme o'clock the Sixty-first New York was sent ont for the parpose of roconnaitering the enemy's position. It succeeded ia captaring a portion of the “ fobel picket Mine, inckad'ng the Lewtengnt in command ‘WE CORPS ADVANGES BY mYmeaN. Soop after the First éivision (General Mites’) advanced, end a heavy line of the enemy's skirmishers was soon mot and a brisk fire commenced, The Thim division (Genoral Mott's}, oconpying 4 position on the left of ihe First, alsP advanced ut the same time, and soon u sharp firo of musketry indicated that the euemy were dis covered. The rebels were driven from their picket line, and their rifle pits ccoupied by our tronpa Continual akirmishing was going on during the day, and at inter- vale the artillery fring was very heavy and continacus. The First division of the Fifth oorps, ander Brovet Major General Griffin, reported to General Humphreys about noon, and were placed in reserve. PRMONRW BROVONT IY. Matters remained in this state until five o'clock, It not being deemed advisable to advance, though numerous were the expressions of opinion that we would carry their works with ease. General Humphreys astab- Uehed his headquarters near the front, aud with his eM. cient staff was everywhere directing preparations to aivaace or repel any attack which might be made. Prisoners —who might be styled two-thirda deserters, 60 ready were they to lay down their arms and eurrender— wore continually coming In The Provost Marshal reports four hundred taken during the day—a large nom. ber, when the charaoter of the fight.ny is considersd, ASAULT OF TWO DIVERIONS, At five o'clock the cnemy made a simultaneows assaalt on the First and Thin! divistons, and oa the Third brig- ade of the Seoond division (General Smythe's), oocupy- ‘and Brevet General Gregory. The troops behaved with thetr usual handsome gallantry, but witt comparatively snail lass. The division still occupy the advanced rifle pits wrested frota the enenly in the carly part of the at- tack. The wounded huve not yet been brought in. Very few officers were wounded, and I have heard of none killed or captured. ENTHUSIASM OVER THE DAY'S BUCCRYREY, Thore is widespread enthusiasm to-night at the glorious successes of the duy, That it has been one of signal triampb to our arms Lhe facts vet forth in to-day’s de- spathos abundantly #how. Between three and four (thousand prisonery were reported hours since as cap- tured. Intelligence bas just come of a recent capture of several hundred additional prisoners, a fort, some can- non and two battle flags. ‘The enemy Began the san- guinary work. The spring campaign las opened, and with favorable auspices to our side. May victogy con- titue ours. THE CAVALRY. Mr. Wheotlore C. Wilso! CavaLny Corre, Any oF Ti Potomac, Mareh 26—Evening. TUK CAVALRY NOT RNGA Today the eavulry has been uctive, but was not en gaged. ‘We lost a few horves and one enlisted man wounded, Colonel Janeway, First New Jersey cavalry, bas ro- covered from his wounds, and returned for duty in the field. The General Who Recaptured Fort Steede man. ‘The eredtt for the recayture of Fort Steedman belongs toGereral Hartranft, aud not General Hartaui, as hes boon sated. Promotion of General Hartranft. Wasuivatox, March 27, 1865, General Hertranft on the recommendation of Gen. Grant, has been promoted to be a Major Genoral by brevet for conspicuous gallantry in repulsing and driving back the enemy from the lodgement made on our lines last Saturday. THE CASUALTIES. List of Casualties in the Ninth Corps, FIRST DIVISION, Percy Schofield, A, 14th New York. Fred. Russe, Battory 1. J. Roberts, §, 164 Louisiana (rebel). Wm. Bancroft, G, 14th New York. A. B. Green, G, T4th New York. Sergi. Charles F. Colburn, H, 20th: Massachusetts, Daniel F. O'Connor, hy Maseach usetts, Dan‘el Murphy, 1, 20th Mussnchusetts Robert Nelson, K, 20th Massuchysetts, Smith J. Lee, K, Sith Massachusetts, E. Jonos, B, 14th New York. E. Belner, H, 24 Michigan, position on the left of the Third. Phe assault was | Aug. Heltram, A, 57th Massachusetts, candi ‘ Tsanc Wack, F, 14th New York made in gallant style, and demonstrated that there still | lr o' Siiks ‘i 14th New York remained some Bght in the rebel soldiers. It wae suc: | jap. Toft, H, OTUs Maxsachusette, cessfully met and repelled, however, and in a manner to | Jobn Gray, 1, 3d Maryland 4 8 husette call forth tho highost praise from Genoral Humphreys, | James Wate Ay Tit Pennagteea who witnessed it, The rebels seon reformed, and again | Charles Wagvoner, Sixt Pennsylvania, mortally. advanced, only to be driven hack with great slaughter. | Lieut. 8 ¥ i, Oe gts | Corporal erty, asnnctsu Four assaults were thus repulsed, when the enemy, appa | Sapteta y oughtdn: . New Tork. rently satisfled that our troops could not be drives from | sergeant Jacoh Roumdon, % 1th New York. that line, withdrew. | Isaac Turner, 1, 14th New York, A largo number of prisoners were captured at this | Sergear’ The: Phileon. 1 14th New York time, The One ‘Hundred and Twenty-first New York | George 1. Mar-h, |, 14th New York. oceeded r 105 with three | Wm. Bemans, 1, '14th Now York pencegehe ohiprsoal vce tattle ting | Liout, Henry A. Smith, G, 69th Massachusetts, officers, and capturing a battle flag. Another battle flag was captured by the Third division. STIL! HOLDING THO NRW LINE, At this hour (midnight) we etill hold the live taken. Lowen Our losses, which wore comparatively light during tho day, were considerable thie evening. The killed and wounded are variously estimated from four to six hun. dred, That the rebel loss was much greater is beyond question, Prisoners all agree that their loss was fearful CONGRATULATORY ORDER, General Meade bas vesued au order complimenting the | troops upon the promptness with which they became the attacking force after rep iling an unexpected assault THE FIFTH CORPS, | John Pendee, K, 69th Maxsanhuse( ts, Jobn Masion, D, 14th New York Hamuel F. Thompson, A, 100th Pennsylvania, Robert Gordon, A, 100th Pennsylvania, Herman K. Usbug. = Lend York. Vane», H, 100’ Pennsylvania, ime MoCallister, 8, 20h Michigan, Jobn B. MoFetrich, B, 14th New York. Phil. Krow!, F, 100th Pennsylvania, J, O'Connel, H. 50th Massach watts | Thomas Russell, A, 100th Penurylvania, | Joeeph Cluse, F, 100uh Penusylvania, Michwel King, uh New York battery, killed. James Paryle, D, 123 J. King, K, 100th Pointy Andrew Kitchen, L, Ist Conneticut, Albert Nortou, L, 14t Connecticut, epleneon, K, 100th Pennsylvania. Liout. J Durke, ad New York battery W, Stannard, Sd New York battery. Licut. 8. K Goldsmith, 59th Massachneette nw . Michael Herley, 14t clus tie hattery J. W. Duebane, K, 100 y Mr, I. A. atch. Martin Wilkins, by 1 Heavquantyns, Fier Auwy Corre, Andrew Lougstotf, M, i In He Fiver, Moreh 26, 1866. With the Ninth corvs correauoadent T leave dew ! (CONTINUED OW FIFTH PAGE| riotion