Editor’s Note: This article was found by Brett Schulte at the free newspaper site Historical Newspapers of the Rochester, New York Region and transcribed by Jackie Martin.
THE WAR.
There is but a little recent news from the army of much importance, and it is rather difficult to sift out that which is reliable. Our army appears to be gradually accomplishing its aim about Petersburg in destroying the railroads leading to the South, thereby cutting off rebel re enforcements and supplies.
The following are among late items from our army:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
5 A. M., June 29.
All is quiet at the front. Our left wing swung round and took possession of the Weldon Railroad, about four miles from the city, without opposition.
It is believed the enemy’s lines have been sent to meet and drive back Gen. Hunter. Almost nightly an attack is made on some part of the picket line in front of the 9th Corps, but finding our men on the alert and ready for them, the rebels quickly retire.
An instance of the sharp practice between pickets, a man yesterday on daring to stand up, put his feet outside the works, when he was instantly struck by a ball in the ankle.
Many are wounded daily while going from their pits to the water, and other errands which cannot be postponed.
The Sanitary Commission are busy issuing fresh vegetables to the troops, which are very gratefully received, and prove a great benefit to them.
Quite a severe engagement took place on Saturday between our cavalry and a force of the enemy’s consisting of cavalry and mounted infantry at the Chickahominy river.
The rebels had followed Sheridan from White House, expecting to be able to cut off part of his wagon train, which was very large, and it was here that they made their attack.
Torbitt’s cavalry division was detailed to protect the train, while Gregg’s division was placed in position to resist an attack from the enemy along the road, which they were known to occupy.
At an early hour skirmishing commenced, and was kept up until nearly noon, when the rebel infantry, which had been dismounted, made a desperate charge on our lines.1
Source:
- “The War.” Brockport (NY) Republic. June 30, 1864, p. 2 col. 3 ↩