The New York Herald Newspaper, April 3, 1865, Page 10

VICTORY. @e move by the from of the rebel line, and not far from it, ‘and that should we do this, and the enemy found 1s out, ‘Which no doubt he would, bis first move would be to eat our column in two and then attempt the capture of ‘the party cut of. Any person ef all acquainted with wallitery matters knows how a cavalry command will ering out, no matter how close the column is marched. ‘The road necessary for us to travel om was narrow and ang, through a thickly wooded and very swampy section @f country. By the time the head of our column could ave got well on im the direction if not quite up te Five Forks, the rear would have been back near the ‘Beydton plank road. Had the enemy then made an attack, ‘eux we been compelled to front into line to meet him, ho advantages would have been greatly in the enemy’s @ ver. Wo could not charge the enemy mounted, for ‘the ground was heavily wooded, besides being swampy. Again, had our men been dismounted and sent into fight, the long range rifles and muskets of the enemy’s in- famtry would have soon driven off our boys, with their ort range carbines. The disparity between the ranges af che two arms would soon have settled that matter. DIFFICULT OY THR MARCH. nether thing to be taken into consideration isthe @locking up.ef the only road left to retreat on with led horecs. As stated in another part of this despatch, the ‘eved was in an awful condition, Mounted men could ‘havlly got slong in single file, certainly not by fours—the / proper and usual mode of marching. The rain had ren- ered the ground so soft that the men were thrown from their horses while walking them over ploughed fields. On going throvgh the fields the horses sank up to their @elties, We could aot well cut loose from the left flank of the infantry, for then that flank would have becn left exposed, and the enemy would have marched on to the Boydton plank road and made an effort to turn the left ef the infantry line. Our object was to hold the position a& Dinwiddic and the Boydton plamk road. By keeping he enemy off of this we cut him off from the use of a road ‘which has been of great service to him in getting sup- ‘piles over, and which it is necessary to hold for other weasons that it is not now deemed prudent to make pablic, AWAITING 00-OPERATION, ‘Wander the circumstances referred to above we retired the force that had been sent out in the direction of Wive Forks, and awaited a special movement on the part of the infantry intended to aid us in the execution of our part of the general plan. Bhat movement was to strike the enemy on the White @ak road and gain possession of it in order to enable Genera! Sheridan to goon. Such was the rainy condi- tion of the weather and the state of the ground that the movement had to be delayed until the following morning. INQUIRIES FOR THB TRAINS, @ur generals passed another night without provisions. ‘Their diet, like Butler’s resolutions, was “pure and sim- pie.” It consisted principally of bard task and partially ef coifee. Many inquiries were made as to the where- abouts of the trains; but the usual answer was given, “Stuck im the mad; it has not budged an ineh.’’ ‘THE OPERATIONS OF THE 3ler, ‘This now brings us to the morning of the Sist. The @ay opened clouay and rainy, and the roads and ground generally were in no wise improved, The smallest runs were as small crecks, and the creeks as rapid streams. Every hollow noted for a water puddle was now marked ‘by a miniature lake. Travelling along any road was at- Yended with a constant sounding for bottom. ADVANCING ON THB WHITE OAK ROAD. Between eight and ten o’clock in the morning an ad- ‘wance was made on the right of the cavalry line down ‘the White Oak road by a portion of the Fifth army corps. From some cause, as yet not fully explained, the move- ment proved a failure. The cause is attributed by some to the troops being overmatched in numbers, and by oth- em to widely different causes. At any rate the move- ment was not a success, and hence the cavalry could got go on in the direction of Five Forks, ATTACK ON SHERIDAN’S LEVT. About an hour or so after the Fifth corps troops had ‘Boon repulsed a spirited attack was made by the enemy’s @avairy on that portion of the left of Geperal Sheridan's Une held by General Charies H. Smith’s brigade. The acmy came up in good style, but was repulsed with @onsiderablo loss, As soon as possible General Smith amade a counter charge, driving the enemy back, and tak- @ng over thirty prisoners in this charge. Major Paul Chad- Bourne, commanding Second New York mounted rifles, ‘was wounded in the shoulder, Gen. Smith had a horse hot under him, besides receiving a trifling wound inthe + Qeg. The wound was go slight that General Smith con- @inued on the field during the remainder of the day. We killed in this movement a rebel colonel named Real, belonging to a North Carolina regiment. Had the ground admitted of anything like a steady charge we ‘Would have captured very many more prisoners before ‘the rebels reached and were covered by their infantry. GENFRAL DAVIES SUPPORTS SMITH. While General Smith was fighting General Davies ‘Moved across witha portion of his command and en- gaged the enemy on Smith's right, Under Davies, the enth New York, Colonel M. H. Avery; Twenty-fourth ‘Now York, Colonel W. ©. Newberry, and First Pennsyl- wanic, Major H. S Thomas, wore engaged. Tho First Maine, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan P. Cilley; Sixth @bio, Col. M. H. Cryer, and Second New York mounted rifica, and Thirteenth Uhio, Colonel Stephen R. Clarke, ‘were aiso engaged. ‘THE ENEMY MOVES ON THE RIGHT. Having failed to gain any advantage on our left, the @eemy turned his attention to discover what headway he ould make against our right. On his right the enemy Jefe bis cavalry and moved Pickett’s division along our front over to some lowlands thickly wooded on both sites, We discovered the movement, and attempted to ‘eheek it at a fording place on the line of Chamberlain's fan. The Twenty-fourth New York and the Tenth New Werk were again engaged, this time very heavily. CASUALTIES. In this particular part of the fight Colonel W. C. New- Derry was wounded—shot through the leg. Lieutenant Selene! Scova was also wounded—shot im the abdomen, @olene! Newberry’s wound is a painful but not a danger. ens one. Colonel dceva’s wound is a dangerous one, and ‘ay prove fatal. Major Doran, of the Twenty-fourth ew York, was killod, and it is reported that his Body was left on the field, and that it fell fto the hands of the enemy. Captain Pratt, of ‘eo Tenth New York, was wounded in the arm. Ueatonant Washbarne, of the same regiment, received a @ight wound in the head. The fighting at the ford was @evere, and our men never before behaved better; but, es the enemy's infantry was too much for them, they het to give way and the enemy pressed on. BURRYING UP REINFORCEMENTS, A’ this time no email portion of the cavalry command ‘was Back on the Vaughn road, about three miles. Mat- ters threatening to be very serious, an officer was sent ‘oack with orders to hasten up a portion of said com- mand ase reinforcement, He did so, and the reinforce- mont arrived in good season to participate. After the q@memy had gotten over the ford he continued to demon Strate against our left centre, with a view to deceiving us @ to what other movements he was then making. Ho op ‘ned against us with artfllery, but it neither reared aor ‘ajured any of our men. THE OPERATIONS ON THR LEFT CHNTRR Foremost among the troops on the left centre was the ‘Pwenty-firt Ponnsylvania, Colonel 0. B, Knowles; Six teeuth Pennsylvania, Colonel J. M. Robinson; Eighth Penasylvania, Lieutenant Colonel William A. Crane; Beerth Peonesyvania, Lieutenant Colonel A. P. Dunean, @ad fecond Pennsylvania, Colonel W. Sanders, All along the lines, from the extreme left to the extreme of the left centre, the stand made by our men was ad mirable, The headquarters flag of Generals Charles 1. Smith and J. Irvin Gregg eould have been seen fitting hore and there through the woods, while their com- re cheered the inen on, and the mon hung to the savages. CEYWTAL COSTER ARRIVE? are General Custer arrived upon the Geld on of bis division, The bright flags that General wore indecd a welcome The fighting had now got directly TH DIBMOUNTED, ivision of General Morritt’s corps it of thick woods, We bad a line men 4iemounted for the purpose, mand fought om this line & strong fight with a weak line of by Lillio’s brigade, of Gordon's a reguiar line of battle and ad- , Fifth and Sixth United States regniars the fighting. ‘The commands of General Davies and ‘Acting Brigadier Generals Oolencis Peter Flogg and Qbaries L. Fitshugh had by this time got over to the Boydton plank road, and they prevented the enemy from galing a foothold on thet read. AURADAN HOCOURAGES EMS MEE. Tt was at this period thas the real beitle commenced. moment was mcritical ome for us, and General Sheridan saw it, He, therefore, dashed forward, followed by al! his staff, headquarter’s fing and escort; and with his bat off, waving it im the air, he cheered the men cheered him, He told them to remain frm; cheers and the answers they gave in return told enough they would. Tho sight wasa thrilling one, The enemy had driven our men out of the forts, and the fight- tthe enemy reformed his line. Colonel Caphart’s brigade ‘and Colonel Peanington’s brigade were hastened from the left of the line to supportithe centre. Just before the enemy had got out of the woods our men made a low Dreastwork of some fence rails, It did not afford them any particular protection. ‘TRE BNEMY ADVANCE, At half-past five the enemy made @ grand advance in two lines, of battle from the woods across the fields Thereupon immediately followed the hardest fighting of the day. . There, too, the clouds parted and a gold flood of light burst in upon the scene and made our arms to listen and the colors of the different commanders to look brighter than ever before, The field wes crowded with generals, who, togother with their stalls and escorts, ‘added much to the picturesqueness of the aspect, ‘HE ETT CHSOKED. ‘The enemy got about midway ‘between the wooda and our line when he was ‘checked. He continued to hold his line for some time, and he had much the advantage of us, in this way: that bis rifies outranged our carbines, and gave him the odds in distance for firing. The engagement continuing our batteries poured in a well directed fire, which more than once broke the enemy's Hine and threw certain portions of it Into confusion. One of the batteries engaged was com- manded by Lieutenant Lord, Second United States ar- tillery. OUR CORRESPONDENT WOUNDED. Just at this time your correspondent was wounded, shot through the left shoulder by a Minie pall. The wound is a painful but not a dangerous one, It is there- fore impossible for him to fully describe the remainder of the battle, although he remained upon the field for some fifteen minutes after. ‘THE ENEMY MAKES ONE MORE EFFORT AND 18 DRIVEN BACK. By dark the enemy delivered one terrific volley; it seemed tobe acontinuous line of flame. As it did not move our men any, the enemy broke and went back, and we were left in possession of the field and our position at Dinwiddie Court House. THE WOUNDED. Among the wounded sent to the rear was Colonel Mor- row, Sixth Pennsylvania, and Lieutenant Tilson, ef the Fourth Pennsylvania, Lieutenant McGee, of the Sixth Pennsylvania, was carried off the field dead. ‘TOTAL LOSSES. The total cavalry losses for the day are between five and six hundred; probably not more than five, THX FIFTH CORPS SENT TO THE ASSISTANCE OF TH CAVALRY, During the night General Grant ordered a portion of the Fifth corps to advauce soas to strike at the rear of the infantry force which attacked Sheridan, and it was thought Pickett had now got his command intoa position from which he would find it very difficult to extricate it. Weare expecting more and very heavy fighting to day. Itis probable that the Fifth and Second corps and a portion of Ord’s army will be heavily engaged. ‘The interests of the service compel your correspondent to omit a great deal of important information; hence this account of cavalry operations is not as full in detail as it otherwise would be, GOOD KEWS EXPRCTED, In concluding it may not be amiss to add that, no mat- ter how the future fighting goes here, Grant will be en- tirely successful in executing the general plan. This army has already gained as much as it was expected it would, and whatever successes we have after this may be set down agg clear gain. Other movements, and im- portant ones, aside from those connected with Sherman’s army, are being made, and the public may at any mo- ment expect to hear very good news from an entirely unexpected quarter. Mr. Wilson’s Wound. OUR WASHINGTON DESPATCH. Wasutxoton, April 2, 1865. Mr. Wileon, one of the Heaatp correspondents, has come up from the front, wounded inthe shoulder. It is a flesh wound, with part of the clavicle chipped off. He brought our despatches sent you to-day, and will proceed to New York. He received his wound during the charge at Dinwiddie Court House. THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. Mr. 8. T. Bulkley’s Despatch. Heapquarrsrs ARMY oF THE Potomac, In ram Freip, March 31, 1866. ‘THE POSITION ON THE NfGHT OF THE 30TH. The close of eperations last night left our forces in pos- fession of the Boydton plank road, with the right of the Fifth and left of the Second corps meeting in the vicinity of the Quaker road. A very strong line of breastworks was thrown up during the night, covering the Boydton road and running parallel with st, The enemy were in- trenehed a few hundred yards in advance, beyond a deep ravine with a stream of water intervening. THE NATURE OF THE COUNTRY. The country through which we are compelled to ad- vance is of the worst possible description for an attacking army. Dense woods, with a heavy growth of underbrush, deep swamps and ravines, through which it is almost an impossibility to move artillery, and all the streams much swollen from the heavy rains that have fallen for the Past two days, form the prominent features, A POSITION THRER MILES BEYOND THE BOYDTON ROAD GaIveD on THE SlsT Notwithstanding all these difficulties our brave soldiers have continued to advance, driving the enemy from one strong position to another, till to-night we are some three miles beyond the Boydton road, and in advance of the position occupied this morning. This has not been ac- complished without hard fighting and the loss of many brave officers and men. THR FIGHTING ON WARREN'S RIGHT. The fighting commenced at an early hour this morn- ing, and has continued with little intermission during the day, Our forces were pushed across the ravine, and drove the enemy nearly « mile, when be massed his forces against the right wing of the Fifth corps, and, for a time, succeeded in forcing it back In some confusion, when the First division of the Second corps were thrown forward, and we in turn drove the enemy with heavy loss, The fighting here was very severe, and the losses on both sides heavy. THE ENEMY LRAYRS M18 DEAD AND WOUNDED ON THE FIELD. The rebela were compelled to leave many of their killed and wounded in our hands. At five o'clock this afternoon I rode over the ground and saw large numbers of them scattered through the woods, who bad not been as yet picked up, though very many had been buried. STUL ADVANCING. At dark our forces were still advancing, and had ar- rived tp the vicinity of the heavy works of the enemy where General Hancock had his fight in the fall. WwA FROM MUERIDAN, ‘The news from General Sheridan to-day is said to bo of the most cheering character. He is driving the ene- my on the extreme left with his usual vigor OUR LORSES. Our torves in the Fifth and Second corps will not vary much from fifteen hundred. The number of wounded in the Fifth corps was six hundred and fifty, and in the Sec- ond three hundred and fifty. This allows five hundred for the killed, which is a fair estimate. THR AMBULANCE ANS NOSPITAL @TSVRM. The ambulance and hospital system now used im this army works admirably. As an instance of this I will mention that all of the thousand men wounded today were picked ap and carried to the rear, and bad their wounds dressed, ready to be sent tothe general hospital, before eight o'clock this evening. Dr, Lidell, the enor- getic and efficient Medical Inspector of the Army of the Potomac, has beon untiring in his eiforts to-day im seeing that all the arrangements for the care of the wounded ave properly carried out. CACUALTINN AMONG PROMINENT OFFICRRE, I can learn of very few casualtios among prominent officers, Brigadier General Dennison, commanding the Mary- Jand brigade, I learn was slightly wounded. Major Mills, of Goueral Humphreys’ stuf, was kHied. The same shot that killed Major Mills also killed the horse of Major Heap, commanding the regular Engineer battalion at- tached to General Meado's headquarters. Major Heap fortunately escaped uninjured, ‘THK BYOINERR RATTALION, ivania regiments hero did most of 1y thie connection J will spoak of tho immense amouns ¢f labor performed by this battaliea during the present movement. The heavy sains have left the roads in such & horrible condition es to require miles of corduroy and umberiess bridges to be built. This battalion have worked ight and day with untiring industry for this purpose, and are fast getting the roads into a comparatively passa bie condition. @mrEEAL MBADS CONSTAINLY On THE FIELD. General Meade and staff have been constantly ip the saddle af the front to-day, directing the movements of the army. Very few ef our prominent generals are more untiring in their efforts to bring this war to a speedy and successful conclusion than General Meade. During @ movement he ts generally the last to retire at night and the first up in the morning, and when visiting the lines approaches much nearer the skirmish line of the enemy than is agreeable to disinterested apectators following in hie wake, GooD REPORTS OF FEB COLORED TROOFE. It.is reported at headquarters to-night that the colored troops, oceupying ® portion of the old line formerly held by the Second corps, captured a whole picket line in their from to-day. YRISONERS CAPTURED, ‘The number of prisoners captured by the Becond and Fifth corps is unusually amall, Twoor three hundred will, I think, cover the whole reported at the Proyost Marshal’s headquarters. ‘The weather has finally cleared pleasant, with @ pros- pect of remaining so. THE SECOND CORPS. CT een Mr. Wm. J. Starke’ Despate®.. . ‘ i Huapquanrans, Szoonp Ooare, iy ras Frmp, March 3, 1666. Abeavy rain set in at five o'clock this morning, and. shortly after daylight an order was issued from army headquartersthat, owing to the order, no change would be made in the disposition of the troops, and rations and forage were sent tothe front. But man only disposes, and the thundering of artillery and the roll of musketry have been heard with but slight intermission during the whole day along the line from Hatcher's run to Dinwid- die Court House and vicinity. THE ENEMY ATTEMPTS 10 BREAN THE UNE. Shortly after eight o’clock heavy firing was heard on the left of the Twenty-fourth corps, now occupying the works formerly held by the Second. The enemy had massed his troops in front of a fort recently constructed near Hatcher’s run, and charged with great im- petuoaity, doubtless hoping to break our lino at that point and capture or destroy our train, which was parked a short distance in the rear. The great extension of our line too, probably led him to believe that it was weak in front of those works held by us prior to the recent movement. He found it stronger than antici- pated, and the attack was repulsed with great slaughter. OUR TROOPS MOVE ON THE OFFENSIVE Soon after our troops at that point assumed the offen- sive, and, charging on the rebel line, drove them back, capturing a fort, with two heavy guns and a large number of prisoners. The rain checked off about nine o’clock, and shortly after skirmishing began along the lines of this corps, which continued for an hour without important result. ‘THE ENEMY’S ATTACK ON THE ¥IVTH CORPS. Ateloven o’clock the rebels make a flerce assault on the right of the Fifth corps, near the Boydton plank road, where it connects with the left of the First divi- sion of the Second. At this time the Fifth was moving ite lines farther to the left, which was prevented by the enemy, who hastened to attack before the troops could be placed in positi to meet him. The attack was made with great vigor, and for the moment promised to be successful. Our line was driven back for @ short distance. The Third and Fourth brigades of the Third division whose Knes had been extended to the left. simultancougly with that of the Fifth corps, immediately advanced to the support of the Fifth, and after a fierce conflict the rebels were driven back over the ground they had gained. Our lines still continued to advance, the enemy re- treating before them, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. Batteries K, Fourth United States, and the First New Hampshire were placed in position, and did great execution during the progress of the fight, ‘THE SECOND CORPS ADVANCES THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILB. Our line was advanced three-quarters of a mile, the enemy abandoning a line of earthworks after but slight resistance, Skirmishing and artillery ‘fire continued until about six o’clock, but nothing of importance ec- curred in front of our Yines after the advance as stated. The Second and Third divisions have not been engaged during theday, although considerable skirmishing has taken place in front of their lines. is ‘THE TROOPS BEHAVE SPLENDIDLY. Our troops, as usual, behaved with great gallantry. They moved forward with such unwavering confidence that the enemy would not stand em. Thesame want of pluck so frequently noticed teon the part of rebel soldiers was observable to-day. They advance in fine style, much as in other days, but a little deter- mined restraint seems to dishearten them, and they are easily induced to retire. GENERALS GRANT AND MRADE VISIT THE SECOND CORPS. General Grant and General Meade visited General Humphreys’ headquarters, which were in the immediate vicinity of the front line. During the fight they were smiling and cogfident, and from their appearance 1, seemed that all was going well. (THE ENEMY FIRE A SHELL AT GENERAL GRANT, ‘The rebels threw a shell at General Grant and his staff as they rode along the line. It passed over their heads, doing no injury to any of the party, but wounded a bat- tery man in the rear. STRAIGHTENING THE LINR, During the afternoon, it being thought best to straighten the line at a certain point, Colonel Croft, of the Fifth New Hampshire, with a party of sixty-four men, gallantly charged the enemy's line, driving it back and capturing a number ‘of prisoners, and accomplishing the object in- tended. THE CASUALTIES. Aa the fighting was entirely outside of works, and fora considerable time upon open ground, our casualties were considerable, though it is certain they are much smaller than the enemy’s. Among these mention with pro- found regret the death of Major Mills, Ansistant Adjutant General on the corps staff, who was struck in the side by a solid shot and instantly killed about one o'clock to-day, Major Mills was. resident of Boston. He was \y wounded at Gettysburg, which resulted in a lameness which compelled him to ask a leave. Ho suffered a great deal from his wound, and had lately returned from an extended leave of absence granted him on that account Our army contains no more gallant soldier, no more affa- ble gentleman, The profound sensation which his death has caused among his fellow soldiers is a compliment to his memory paid to but few. His body will be em- balmed and sent to his friends in the North. PRISONERS CAPTURED. About one hundred and fifty prisoners were taken during the day. I have not learned that wo lost any. Major ©. J. Mills, A. A. G.; Lieutenant S$, Everhart, Adjutant One Hundred and Forty-cighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, are among the killed. THE FIFTH CORPS, Mr. L. A. Hendrick’s Despatches, Heapquarrens, Firtu Anwy Borpron Puawe Roap, March 31, 1865. ‘EE FIGHTING OF THE FIFTH CoRrs ON THR 3isT. ‘We have had some severe fighting to-day. Our losses have been heavy—not less than six hundred killed, wounded and captured. It bas not been a pitched battlo— along, continuous, hotly contested fight—but rather an irregular contest, ending, however, in complete and splendid success to our arms. The intention was to avold active hostile demonstrations on our sido and not to fight unless compelled to do so by the enemy. Necessity of rationing the troops and the difficulty of getting sapplics to them, on account of the terrible con- dition of the roads, enforced laying owt this programme for the day. Some conception can be ‘formed of the pro- sent condition of the roads when tho fact is stated that the supply train has been forty-cight hours coming@ distance of only three miles, and that, too, with the aseistance of some seven handred men building cofdaroy roads, Burnside’y famous moc march ts a feeble photograph of onr present advance as regards the difserlty and atmost impossibility, in fact, of transporta- tion. Copious showers in the fore part of tho day inten- sified the diMeulty ; but I am happy to ray that the invin- cible determination of Gen. Grant and almost superhuman toil of the men have at length overcome these diMoulties, an they will in future, through the agency of the same un- yielding perpose and unremitting.totl, be overcome, til the object of the movement is fully and sattefactorily ac- complished. COMMENCEMENT OF TH ACTION The morning boure polled away witout the sound of @ ' ett abe hi i Roused by the firing, General Warren was quickly en RALLYING THE MRE. Ordering Major Ryder to prevent any one coming over the bridge who had a musket, and summoning General Bartlett's brigade to move up on double quick, he began rallying the men, The ‘broken column was quickly ral- ‘ ‘RBOOVERING TER LOST GROUND, ‘How shall I desorfbe the bettle that ensued. It lasted three hours, Our men fought their way up the hill, be- General Chamberiain’s brigade, which had been called to take part in the bloody strife, covered itself with glory. I heard Goneral Warren say that the skilful manner in which he handled his troops entitled bim to another star. CAPTURE OF WHITE OAK ROAD. But all behaved finely. General Ayres? Sclenr sweep before them. Ii AAeld near White Oak road the enemy had s line of intrenchmente, Through @h Open field facing this work our forces advanced in brilliant style, The enemy was driven from these works, and the White Oak road was ours. WITHIN FOUR HUNDRED YARD@ OF TER ENEMY. Our picket line is to-night within four hundred yards of that of the enemy. It was a magnificent victory. Logias IN THE FIGHT. I Bave given our losses at six hundred. Many fine officers and men have fallen. It will be seen that Gen. Dennison, commanding the Maryland brigade, is among the wounded. He expects to be able to resume his com- mand in a few days. Colonel Sergeant, Twenty-first New Fork regiment, has received @ painful but not danger- ous wound. Both officers distinguished themselves for their gallantry, and their loss, though temporazy, will be neverely felt, Lieutenant Colonel Trimblet, Thirty-ninvh Massachu- setts, has lost a leg. Prisoners state that the enemy’s loss is very heavy. We captured one hundred and six prisoners, WOUNDED TO BB SENT TO CITY POINT. Our wounded of to-day will be sent to City Pojnt in the morning. CAPTURE OF A RATTLE FLAG. Major Glenn, One Hundred and Ninety-eighth Pennryl- vania, captured a battle flag in the assault on the enemy’s ‘works alluded to above, He captured the color bearer also. The flag has the names of the Ninth and Fifty- sixth Virginia regiments on it, which two regiments, it appears, are consolidated. GALLANT WOUNDED OFFIOKRS, Lieutenant D. W. Johnson, commanding Battery D, First New York artillery, received quite a severe wound from a rebel bullet, but notwithstanding retained com- mand of his battery until the close of the fight. Captain Halsted, Assistant Adjutant General, was also wounded, but would not and did not Ieave the field until the fght- ing was over, EFTECTS OF RAIN ON OUR MUSERFRY FIRING, A rain storm lessens the effectiveness of musketry, it would appear, very materially. The Fifth New York, for instance, went to-day with one hundred and eighty riflos into the fight, and at the order to fre only fifteen pieces were discharged, THE SIXTH CORPS. Mr. Chas. H. H am’s Despatch. {THE ENEMY STARNGTUEWING ON THB SIXTH CORPS’ FRONT. ‘The rebel line on our front has not yet been materially weakened, and signal officers report that working parties have been busily engaged strengthening the abatis in front of the rebel line, Not # shot bas been fired on our front to-day, and although the corps has been in readi- ness to move in any direction, its services have not been required, ON THE LEFT, Firing both of infantry and artillery has been heard at intervais during the whole day on the right. Some ar- lillery @ring took place this evening, but, as usual, it soon ceased, ‘THE WEATHER, ‘The weather has since early this morning been dry and windy. A few days suffices to dry the ground in this section ef the country, and almogt before the rain coases to fall clouds of dust Gil the air, To-night there is every prospect of it continuing favorable for thie active operations now in progress. PICKET FIRING. To-night our pickets are very nolsy, and are ex- obanging leaden compliments with the rebels, The Gring is more frequent than we have heard for some months. \Deserters from the rebel army still continye to arrive, but-do not report anything of importance, THE ARMY OF THE JAMES. Mr. John A. Brady's Despatches, Heapquanrsns, Detacnuayt ARMY OF THE JAMES, OrxnaTiwa witn ARMY OF THE March 28, 1! ‘THE OPERATIONS OF ORD’S DETACHMENT. For some time past the troops of the Army of the James have been expecting marching orders. What ‘their orders were nobody knew, although all kinds of rumors were received, and many military heads were busy in planning # military campaign. When orders did come, troops: selected for special duty were marched towards the James over pontoons and it be. came evident that General Ord’s command was to co- operate in some manner with the Army of the Potomac, TUR TROOPS PARTICIPATING IN TUR MOVEMENT, ‘The troops selected were from both corps, Those of tho Twenty-fourth corpe moved under General Gibbon, who has for some time commanded this corps, The colored troops selected were placed under General William Barney. The whole force was commanded by General Ord tm person. bi mW MOTION. About dark last evening the different regiments moved * out from their camps, and proceeded at a rapid march in the direction of the James rivor, crossing the bridge at Alken, and afterwards that across the Appomattox at Broadway landing. The roade were in horrid condition, ‘Dut not the slightest delay was experienced. Where little obstructions did cause afew minutes’ work on the part of the road, General Hall's engineers placed éverything in working order. At noon the advance had reached Gene- Fa) Meade’s headquarters. It was rumored through the column that our objective point was Fort Lampson, but it was evident thatthe troops could not, without dif. culty and considerable struggling, make it before dark. OCCUPYING THE POSITION gF THE SRCOXD CORPS, A balt took place at su: at four o'clock this morning the column moved into the Mine of the Second corps, relieving that command, which followed on to the Jefe after the Fifth corps. Manca 20—Evening. This command today haa been lying in the works vacated by the Second corps yesterday morning. Noth. ing has been done by us aa yet, though occasional and dirtant discharges of heavy guns show that the Army of the Potomac has mot the enemy aad capturett thoir lines, Our pickets are at present stationed in works of the enemy from which they were driven in the late fight by the Second corp? The rebvls in their front are busily engaged in strengthening the line. AYFAIRA ON THE PRONT. Officers of our picket guard report that the ene my trove negro soldiers on their ploket line in our front, From deserters, who are constantly coming in wo Joarn that (bo ouemy before us i composed entirely oF re atviaton made | ‘The signal corps accompanying this command is unu- sually small, owing to the non-appcarance of a number of officers ordered from the department of the South to re- port to Captain Norton. It is composed at present of Captain L. B. Norton, chief signal officer, Army of the James, and Lieutenants 8. N. Rogers and F. J. Amedell. So far, however, these gentlomen have been enabled to Army of the James. Lieutenant Colonel A. B, Lawrence, Ohief Quarter- master of the Twenty-fourth corps, accompanies General @ibbon, and Captain Purington, for a long time Head Quartermaster for General Weitzel, accompanies General Birney. ‘The trains were st the front almost as soon as the army, owing to the excellent management of Colonel Howard, Taught by slong experience in the field, this officer was enabled to make arrangements to meet every poasible contingency. Carefully prepared series of in- structions were issued to the various quartermasters under his command, with especial reference to this movement of trains, the result has been that a long line of wagons has moved along in an unbroken series, without delaying the march of the troops, at the same time arriving al- most simultaneously with them at the different stopping places. ‘The Commissary Department is represented by Lieu- tenant Colonel Small, Chief Commissary of the Army of the James, and Captain Hill, Chief Commissary of the ‘Twenty-fourth army corps. As to its efficiency, nothing further can be sald than thas the troope are plentiully supplied with rations. ‘THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. Colonel Geo, Suckley, Medical Director of the Depart- ment of Virginia and Army of the James, has assumed control of medical affairs, Surgeon Alex. B. Mott, United States Volunteers, accompanies him as medical inspector of the army, and Surgeon Morrison, United States Volun- teers, as medical director with General Gibbon. THE FLYING HOSPITAL is under control of Surgeon 8, A. Richardson, Thirteenth New Hampshire Volunteers. Surgeon C. M. Clark, of the Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, chief operating sur- geon of the Twenty-fourth corps, takes the same position with the present command. Acting Staff Surgeon Allen is chief executive surgeon of the hospital, with four assistants; and Acting Staff Surgeon Nelson is reeorder of cases, So far no cases have been brought into the hospital, with the exception of those sick, and some who have been completely used up by the Sate excessive march. The hospital has been located as near as pos- sible to the front, but still so near the railroad that little difficulty will be experienced in sending the wounded at once to Point of Rocks. GENERAL ORD SURVEYS THE LINKS. Major General Ord made to-day a careful survey of the nes occupied by the troops of his command, and, as far as possible, of the position occupied by the enemy on his front. HEADQUARTERS, Both General Ord and General Gibbon have established their headquarters at the old headquarters of General Humphreys, They are, of course, considerably inconve- nienced by the want of space; but it is the only position that couki be taken possession of on short notice. Manon 30—Midnight. TURNER'S DIVISION. ‘ In the: midst of the falling raif'Turner moved his division, of the Twenty-fourth corps, shortly after day- break down the Vaughn road, crossed Hatcher’s run, and, turning to the right, pushed forward to make a con- nection with the right of the Second corps, which was at that time drawn up 80 as to make almost a right angle with the works we hold. With very little firing and no fighting whatever this connection was made. The firing ‘was entirely im the skirmish line, and, although the enemy’s batteries opened, still very few men were in- jured. FOSTER’S DIVISION. Immediately after Turner bad secured his position Genoral Foster was ordered to advance a brigade of his division to form a junction with Turner’s, on the right. General Foster immediately directed Dandy's brigade to advance and accomplish this object. Elder's horse bat- tery was also ordered to hold itself in readiness, but did not go outside the works. Colonel Dandy advanced with ‘his brigade about noon, and with little difficulty com. pleted the connection, although the rebels opened on both bis line and Turner's with several heavy guns. General Foster accompanied Dandy's advance, and personally superintended the whole movement, and afterward, when the position was secured, remained on the ground through the night hastening the erection of ‘works to repel any attempt of the rebels in force to recover their lost ground. ERECTION OF NEW WORKS. The earthworks are being erected with the utmost despatch, and under the direction of Brevet Brigadier General Turchie of the engiveers, Chief Engineer of the Army of the James. ‘THE WoUwDED. Only eight were wounded to-day, at least that consti- tutes the number so far brought in. It will be impossi- ble to furnish their names until to-morrow, when proba- bly the Hist will be increased. ‘Manon 81, 1865. ‘TURNER DRIVES TUE ENEMY WITHIN THEIR RIFLE PITS. Although yesterday finally succeeded in being a clear day, yet the troops through this morning were compelled to advance again under a blinding shower of rain. At midnight the sky was beautifully clear, showing every star and giving promise of aciear day. An hour after- wards, however, the rain was again falling from a mass of black clouds that covered an unbroken stretch far as the eye could reach. TURNER ADVANCES, In spite of the threatening weather Turner threw for- ward his division and chased the rebel picket line inside their rifie pits, where we succeeded in capturing almost all of them, bardly leaving » man. POSTER'S DIVISION IN MOTION. Simultaneously with the advance of Turner, General Foster pushed forward that portion of his division on the line and materially assisted in the capture of the pris- ners. The advance of both these divisions was inside the rebel picket line and within siz hundred yards of their main works, ‘TI COLORED TROOPS, Birney's division, of the Twenty-fifth corps, has taken & position on the right of Foster, assisting that General Greatly in strengthening bis line. OUR WORKS. Throughout last night our troops were busily engaged in strengthening their works, and they now have a line that will enable them to hold their gronnd against any force the enemy may mass against them with the inten- tion of making a dash and breaking their line, ‘The thin line with which the rebels held their works ‘was rendered comparatively harmless throughout the day by the contineous fring of our skirmishers. Nota man could raise his head over their parapet without ‘Peing tho target for a dozen rifles. Their heavy guns were (Inally so far covered by our sharpshooters as to render them almost useless, and the gunners were able to Gre but few shots throughout the day. PRISONERS. One hundred and eighty-nine prisoners were taken, of whom four were .officers—a captain, frst Heutenant, and two second Heutenante, Many of them stated that they did not firo a shot, and did pot want to fre. Nearly all exprossed themselves completely satisfied with being prisoners. ABAD AFPATR. Captain Brown, of the Tenth Conneetiout, wns rhot dead by the provost guard during the day after attempt. ing the Ife of Captain Carruthers, Provost Marshal of General Foster's division, It seems that the Captain was Jaboring under temporary insanity, causod by old wounds, Ho was wandering from his regimont all day, and finally attempted to pars throngh the provost guard to the rear. ‘He was stopped by the corporal in obedtence to orders, ‘and then stated that if the corporal had stopped him on hie own authority be would shoot him, but if ov the authority of tho Provost Marshat he would shoot the latter. The corporal accompanied Cap tain w to Captain Carruthers, and the Our Special Washington Despatches. ‘Wasursaton, April 2, 1865, who have heretofore been classed as rebel expressed that the long agony is 20 nearly ended, and the expenditure of bloodjand life no longes who thronged the strects, anxiously inquiring for some- thing later. Neither the fall of Vicksburg nor of Charles. ton has produced so much gladness as the nows of these victories, which foreshadow the occupation of Richmond by the Union forces within a few hours, the capture of all ‘Lée’s splendid army and the immediate ond of the re bellion. | Mrs. Lincoln returned to-day from City Point, The President remains at his headquarters at the base of the active operations now in progress. Officers who accom. panied Mrs. Lincoln report that the President stayed for the purpose of going to Richmond, as he had been prom- ised by General Grant he should have an opportunity te do so within forty-eight hours. It is expe:ted here that, immediately after the oocupation of Richmond, the Pres- ident will issue a new proclamation of amnesty, inviting the remainder of the rebels to lay down their arms, to avold farther unnecessary bloodshed and loss of life, and: to return to their allegiance. Considerable amusement has been caused by the true statement of the facts in regard to the flerce fight re, ported to have taken place in front of Petersburg on. Wednesday night. It seems that both sides imagined! they had inflicted great damage on the other, at little or no logs to themselves, in repelling mutual aseaulte: which occurred only in the imagination of the opposing: forces, each of which were snugly ensconced in their re- spective earthworks and firing at imaginary assailants. ‘The gradiloquent accounts of this affair published by tho Northern and the rebel papers, in view of the facts, are ludicrous in the extreme. Wasurxaton, April 2—P. M. ‘The great importance attached to Sheridan’s holding his own at Dinwiddie against the furious assault upon him on Friday afternoon can now be ful ly appreciated, since it enabled him on the following day, because of the position he held, to so successfully co-operate on the left of the infantry line. Had Sheridan failed on Friday night and been driven back, itis more than probable the general result of Saturday’s operations. wouldhave been far different from what they were. | The very bad-condition of the roads and the rainy weather did more to retard General Grant on Thursday ‘and Friday than it was possible for the enemy, with all his fortifications and troops, to do. On Saturday morning the President and Secretary of State were both at City Point, and it was surmised that the presence of these gentlemen there was for a purpose far above sightseeing and being near at hand. It was thought the President had in view the issuing of an emi- nently important proclamation in the event of the fall of Petersburg or Richmond. REBEL ACCOUNTS. Important Operations on the Rebel SHERIDAN ON A RAL HATCHER’S RUN. [From tho Richmond Examiner, March 81.) Important operations are in progress .on our right. The Petersburg Eazpress says:—At an early hour Wednesday morning a heayy force of the enemy, cong sisting of cavalry, infantry and artillery, supposed to ‘be headed by ‘Cavalry Sheridan,”’ made a detour around. our lines and advanced towaras the Boydton plank road, and between seven and eight o'clock struck this thoroughfare some six miles beyond Dinwiddie Court. House. Towards eleven o'clock we, understand, this force was in the vicinity of the Court House, our forces skirmishing heavily with their advance. Last evening it was reported that the enemy had reached the Court House, and was demonstrating towards mill, Ie is bp. lieved that the destination of this force is the & Rajlroad, which Grant wishes to destroy and thereby cut off, General Lee’s communication and diminish his supplies. While demonstrating on the plank road it is thought the main body of the cavalry struck out through the country in the direction of the railroad. This, Lowover, is not positively known. The Expres also says:—Wednesday atternoon General Anderson, commanding our extreme right, demonstrated ‘against the cnemy’s works in his front, for the purpose of ascertaining their strength at that point, and if pos- sible their intentions in pending operations. Our met with a A ome 6 resistance. The object of the monstration being gained they fell back, the Yankees not pursuing. Late in the afternoon, howev-r, the enemy commenced advancing and skirmishing with our forces. Some severe fighting have occurred; but of tic we are not tively axsut Every appearance indicated tw Bi eannonading was in that disection dur- ing the afternoon. The Midnight Battle Before Petersburg on the 29th Ultimo. the Richmond Examiner, March $1.) The enemy attempted a night asea it on our lines about Petersburg on last Wednesday night, about ten o'clock, The Petersburg ess of yesterday gives the ook Wednesday night the enemy op*ned on our extrem: left, near the Appomattox, with a fearful artillery fire, while a simultaneous move- ment was made on the part of their infantry, the men charging up to our breastworks in great masses. Our men, under the gallant Gordon, were wide awake, and received the charge with a coolness and precision which caused the assailants to recoil with evident dismay and consternation. Upto twelve o'clock the tghting was continued with great vigor and persistency, the cnemy prey all five separate assaults, in every one of which the “blue bellies” were sent ling back. At the late hour at which we write—half-past twelve A. M.— heavy nie 4 48 progressing; but our officers and men know that the enemy has done his worst, and feel per- fectly satisfied that they can hold their own against. Grant's combined legions. The night was intensely dark, it being impossible to s-e & man at @ distance of more than twenty paces, and we cannot speak positively of the enemy’s losses, but they must have been immense. They came in swarms, supposed to be several lines of battle deep, and, as in no instance did they through our obstructions, the irresistible inference is that the slaughter was fearful. Our loss was compara- tively small. We witn ‘he scene from the brow of Belling’s Hill, and never saw ons more feariully grand. From the river round to the Wilcox House, for a distance of three * horizon iNuminated with burst ng mortars. smockpioemer sis, while the line of ‘battle ‘was most clearly defined by the sheet of flamo wifich literall Biazed without cessation from the muzales of our arms. tire community was aroused by the deafeniny iene of artillery and incessant roll of muaketry, which. shook every a roof to basement, and caused the inmates to shake with agitation and alarm, The enemy evidently expected to surprise our 3 but General Gordon's boys never sleep when danger is near, and extended to the assailants a reception which we think it probable they will never forget. The of our men was displayed in a most gratifying manner,. and their conduct i¢ the theme of universal praise, The- artillery fre on ovr side was magnificent, and the Cum-~ mings’ and Bradford batteries in Chesterfield were em!- nently conspicuous for rapid and accurate lirng from the- elevation we occupied. Feis'n fact especially deservin of mention that during the entire fight, Which las over two hours, nota man was observed coming to the rear. Tuvnepay—1 A, M. ‘We have just seen an officer from Che front. He enyw the enemy charged up to our chev aux de Jive e, withime es of the muzzies of our guna, and wore literalty hier is known to have bon very morn ne it alone reveal iis extent, Owe atedly sunalle ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS, A lotter from Vet scburg, dated two o'clock yesterday morntug, fornishes we annexed particulars :— T have just rou m Blandford. 1 never wit- yr the river to the Wileox wed for two hours batant, was truly nessed a graiic Mouse the lin with a flerceness which, toa non terrific, ‘The enenty charged in several lines of battle, coming, in some of thelr assanits, up to our obstruct.ons at the foot of the breastworks, and our boys literally om down. ie Gee ‘on the part of the enemy must have no 1H pmon fear. al; pot (tis Impossible to seo what has beudone, Day JR will probably r veal n feartulscone of carnage blood. Gordon's corps covered them. CONTINUED ON FOURTH PAGE, £