DETAILS OF THE VICTORY

Headquarters Army of the Potomac
Saturday April 1, 1865

The greater portion of the army has not been engaged with the enemy today. The time has been occupied in erecting works on the new line, and repairing the roads connecting the different corps. The late rains had rendered it impossible to move more than the wagon trains as fast as the troops advanced. One train took forty-eight hour to move five miles with the assistance of one thousand men. But through the untiring industry and perseverance of the officers in charge of the quartermaster’s and Commissary’s Department, the army has been as well supplied as while in their old quarters.

When the news of Sheridan’s repulse reached here last night, or part of the fifth corps was at once dispatched to his head, and it is expected that tonight or in the morning we shall receive good news from that quarter

It appears that Sheridan was moving on the road leading to a place called the three Forks, about 3 miles from the southside railroad, when two cavalry brigades of Pickett’s division, which had been moved out in a great hurry, came down on a road running from Sutherland station. As Sheridan’s Calvary had most of them passed the junction, the movement of the enemy threatened to cut him off. He, however, discovered his danger in time to get his command back with only a slight loss at the same time taking about 100 prisoners. Both the Lees were present, but one of them was at at a respectful distance.

On being reinforced this morning by the fifth corps, the enemy fell back so rapidly that they (column ends) many of their wounded fell into our hands, as well as those of our own that were unavoidably left behind yesterday afternoon.

The attack made on the enemy’s front line in front of the 24th Corpswas led by Fosters division, and almost 200 prisoners were brought, the 148th New York taking most of them. Some 300 or 400 yards of ground was taken from them, and our picket line so much further advanced.

At 4 o’clock this morning this position was assaulted, and a few of our men captured; but in a very short while it was retaken, with about 60 prisoners and the stand of colors.

Our losses up to the present time will not exceed 2500 count; while those of the enemy, and some parts of the line, at least, were greater than our own; but, of course, the total cannot be given.

Major Dyerman of the 15th New York heavy artillery is reported wounded and a prisoner.

Three Sharp shooters where brought into the fifth core headquarters this morning, 16 cavalry man belonging to William Henrry Lee’ command. They had been on pick up duty and cut off by the force which went to the assistance of Sheridan

Second dispatch

headquarters army of the Potomac
April tryst – – midnight

A courier from Major General Sheriden has just arrived with the most cheering news.

The combined forces of cavalry and Major General Warren’s infantry advanced against the enemy this afternoon., Driving them several miles, and capturing about 4000 prisoners and a number of pieces of artillery.

they retreated to5 Forks where there were flags buyer by a part of the fifth score, which had moved down the white oak road. It was here the large number of prisoners were taken.

The rebels then retreated south along the White Oak Road and we’re vigorously pursued by General Sheridan, while McKenzies calorie from the army of the James, advanced west on the Ford road toward the S. Side Rd., and when the messenger was only about 3 miles from it and would undoubtedly reach it before morning.

The rebels then retreated south along the White Oak Road and we’re vigorously pursued by General Sheridan, while McKenzies Cavalry from the army of the James, advanced west on the Ford road toward the S. Side Rd., and when the messenger was only about 3 miles from it and would undoubtedly reach it before morning.

Thus the last great line of railroad the rebels have to supply their capital and Lee’s army bye is about to be severed, and it is firmly believed that they will leave their present position in Petersburg and Richmond.

Sharpe cannonading is now going on near the other line by the left of the sixth core

New York Times
April 4, 1865
Page one
columns four through five