THE PILOT.
GREENCASTLE
Tuesday Morning, May 17, 1864
C
•
THE VERY LATEST.
The latest news confirms all that we have
had before, respecting the great victories
achieved by the Army of the Potomac and
Butler's army, and by Sherman in the West.—
We have never, since the war commenced, had
such a continuous stream of glorious news.—
There are no ' its and.kuts' about the news—
it is ail thing—Victory,h Victory !
From the very latest we have heard,. we
learn that Lee's army is in retreat, and that
Grant and Meade , are south of the Po River
:in pursuit. Re-enforcements are marching to
the Army of the Potomac, while it does ~not
seem possible for the rebels to obtain any, see
ing that all their railroads are cut, Sheridan,
with his cavalry in the vicinity of the railroad
junction in Lee'a rear, destroyed a vast amount
of provisions—one million and a-half of ra
tions, and a great many oars. From thence he
prucceded soyrards ,Richmond, and. succeeded
in entering , the outer lines of the fortifications,
marching fora considerable distance between
the first and second lines. ;fit Bottom's Bridge
he encountered J. E. B. Stuart, and had a
brilliant engagement, repulsing the Rebels : —
It is stated by Richmond papers, that Stuart
was killed here. Sheridan crossed the Chick
:hominy, and by way of Orange Court House,
succeeded iu rejoining the Army of the Poto-
General Butler capture& u rebel courier, stat
ing that reinforcements would join Beauregard
in, two hours. Butler sent out a oolurun of
Federal troops and drove their reinforcements
back. Bmith and Gillmore are pounding away
at Fort Darling, and have taken the outer
works. The rebels are now confined to three
redoubts. Our guu.boats are on the James
River assisting. There is every reason to be
lieve that Fort Darling will be ours.
In the meantime, let us thank God that He
has thus far crowned our arms with success—
and that "our republic lives"—aorl that re-
hellion is now reaching its utter downfall.
THE NEWS.
May 11.—Gen. Butler, ever active and vigi
lant, has made a most successful expedition.
Re ha's out the Riehmond and Petersburg Rail=
road and whipped Hill. His own despatch is,
however, the best. history of his doings.
Headquarters. Near Bemuda Hundred Land
ing, May, 91861.—T0 E. M. Stanton, Secre
tary of War:—Our operations may be summed
up in :a few words. With seventeen hundred
(lanky wo have advanced up the Peninsula,
forded- the Chickahominy, and have safely
brought them to our present position. These
were colored cavalry, and are now holding posi
tion as our advance towards Richmond. Gen.
Icunts.with three thousand cavalry, from Suf
folk, on the same day with our movement up
the James . River, forded the Blackwator and
burned the railroad bridge at Stony Creek,
below Petersburg, cutting iu two 13eauregard'a
force at that point.
We. have landed here and intrenohed our
selves, have: destroyed many miles of railroad,
and have got a position, which, with proper
supplies, we can hold against the whole of
Lee's army. I have ordered up the supplies.
Beauregard, with a large portion of his com
mand, was left south of the cutting of the rail
road by General Kuntz. That portion which
reached Petersburg, under Ilill, I have whip
ped to-clay, killing, aod wounding many and
taking /Deny prisoners, after a severe and well
.
contested fight.. General Grant will not be
troubled with further reinforcements to Lee
from Beauregard's force.
(Signed) BEN. F..PUTLER,
Major-General- Commanding.
Turning, from Butler to the Army of the
Potomac, we find that Lee after his force as
sults on Meade's columns on Thursday and Fri
day, the sth and 6th lust., was compelled to
fill back which he did to Spottsylvania Court
House. Gen. Truman Seymour, just from
Florida, who had taken command of a Brigade
in Bedgwick's Corps—was on the extreme right,
was taken prisoner by the enemy on Friday,
inattempting to rally 14s brigade which had
,been fallen upon with terrible fury by A. P.
A part of Shakes brigade, which was
next to Seymour's, was also forced back, and
tb;e General himself taken prisoner . . But
Sedgw.iek soon, reformed the lines and drove
,tlie enemy beyond his breast-works. A night
attack was made upon Warren's, 3rd Corps.
feat day, Saturday, there was some skirmish
ing—our main army making a flank, ovement
on Spottsylvania Court - House; the vicinity of
vrhielh place they reached on Sunday !miming.
A great battle took place on Monday, in which
Lee was badly worsted.
It was here that the gallant General Sedg
_
via. was struck by a ball from a sharp-shooter
and. • killed. XL, was much beloved b) the
Voice arwy.
THE PILOT:-GREENCASTLE, FRANKLIN CO., PA., MAY 17, 1864.
WASHINGTON, May 11..—The ;Secretary of
War yesterday sent a despatch to Major-Gen.
I)ix at New York, stating that a despatch had
been received from General Sherman at mid
night, giving the intelligence that a battle wys
going on between portions of Sherman's and
Johnston's forces, in which our forces were, E o
far successful. Our forces were fighting for
the possession of Rocky Face Ridge, a strong
and important position. The despatch also
states that General McPherson had taken
Snake' Creek Gap and was within seven miles
of Resaoa. General Thomas had forced the
Rebels from Tunnel Hill and had taken a posi
tion at Buzzard's Roost, a very strong position
just north of Dalton.
Resaca is on tho railroad, fifteen miles North
of Dalton, which will place.; klePherson's in
the rear of Johnston's. General Schofield is
closing on- his flank from Cleveland, while
General - Thomas is advancing on the front.
There is, therefore, no doubt.tbat a great, bat
tle is either now going on or has already been
fought, and' the . success of the preliminary
movements would seem to indicate a vietory on
our side. The .rumor whioh came by way of
- Louisville under date of 9th must, therefore,
have been incorrect, as Sherman's despatch -to
the Secretary is of a later date, and makes no
mention of .that important matter. Still, there
is no - doubt such will be the case; and a few
days—perhaps hours—will give us - the gratify
ing intelligence that the Rebel army in Georgia
has been totally defe:tted or else driven South.;
ward into the heart of Rebellion:
A despatch which went over the wires on
the night of Wednesday, (the 11th,) ' "
says.
WasnINGTON, May 11, 11.80 P. 31.—T0
Major-General Dix :—Despatches from Gen.
Grant, dated 8 o'clock this morning, have just
reach this Department.
He says :—We have now ended the sixth
day of very heavy fighting. The result, to
this time, is much in our favor.
Our losses have been heavy as well as those
of the enemy. I think the loss of the enemy
must be greater.
We have taken over five thousand prisoners
by battle, whilst he has taken from us but few
except stragglers.
"I propose to fight it out on this line if it
takes all summer."
The government is sparing no pains to sup
port him.
(Signed) E. M. STANTON.
BEFORE SPOTTISYINANIA COURT HousE,
May I.l.—Daylight.--Maj. Gen. E. Johnson,
of Ewell's Corps, has just been captured by
Hancock's Corps, and brought within our
lines.
Brig.-Gen. Stewart, commanding a brigade
in Johnson's division, has also been captured.
Hancock has also succeeded in capturing from
15 to 20 of the enemy's guns, which he turned
upon them the moment of their capture.
During the night, Gcn. Hanoook left his
lines on the left, and cutting a road to the
extreme left, through the woods, made his ap
pearance on the enemy's right flank land, rear
at daylight, capturing the officers and guns al
ready named, together with some 2,000 pri
soners.
Gen. Seth Williams was introduced to Geo.
Johnson. The meeting between these latter
named •officers was very cordial. During the
time Johnson remained at headquarters, he
eonstantly eyed Gen. Grant, surveying the lit
tle giant from head to foot.
12 M —The guns captured aro arriving at
headquarters. Most of them are Napoleons,
marked U. S. The others aro 10-pounder
Parrotts.
The following is the despatch received from
General Meade at early morning from General
Hancock :---
"I have captured from .30 to 40 gnus. I
have finished up Johnson, and am now going
into Early."
Burnside is working away on the enemy's
rear, and reports that he is taking large numbers
of prisoners.
Sheridan, with the cavalry, has captured three
railroad trains, two laden with forage and ra
tions and one with Union prisoners.
The enemy got the range of Meade's head
quarters at 9 A. at., and three.or four shells
fell a few paces from the gallant Pennsylvanian
and his co-patriot Grant. Hancock and his
Pennsylvania soldiers have again covered them
selves with glory, and their deeds of valor
should be remembered by all Pennsylvanians.
fieavy firing is still continuing along the
line of Burnside's Corps. Gens, Grant and
Meade have been along the lines the entire night
and day, and have been seen at all points by the
soldiers.
Yesterday there was nothing but sight
skirmishing along the Hue. We are undoubt
ly following up the enemy, who are fighting
as they retreat.
WASHINGTON, May 1.2.—H0n. Washburno
has .j.ust arrived. from Grant's army, where he
has been during the late_ engagements. Ho
confirms the encouraging news which dispelled
the doubts and fears felt this afternoon. The
Rebels are on short rations, living on what they
get from day to day by the cars on railroad,
al jth way ,at any linur . ba cut, Heretolure in
other campaigns they subsisted on what they
captured, but they have not got a single wagon
from Grant, although they made a desperate
struggle on Monday night to get at a supply
train. Rutler is hard at them. Ile has been
fighting for the turnpike road to Richmond.
Our cavalry are operating near Weldon
and have burned the long bridge at Weldon
and two others. They made three charges,
the third being successful. Fighting was go
ing on all day on the right, our troops being
under Smith. Turnpike road between Rich
mond and Petersburg was the 'bone of conten•
tion.' Warren is not killed as reported, but is
all tight—it was a Col. Warren.
WASHINGTON, May 12.—Yesterday morn
ing the fighting was 'renewed, and continued
with vivid success until about 11 o'clock ; our
lines being somewhat advanced at that hour, a
flag of . truce is reported to- have beau sent in
by Gen. : Lee, who asked for a oessatiau of hos
tilities for forty-eiz,ht hours, that he might
bury his dead. Gen. Grant replied that be
had not time to bury his own; dead; and would
advance immediately. Seine parts of our line
were therefore pushed forward. It is stated
that the woods were shelled, but ne response
was made from where- the enemy's centre had
been a few hours before. The prisoners cap
tured on -Tuesday and yesterday; number over
4,000, and the Rebel wounded and dead were
found Covering almost every foot of the ground
wheiever our troops surged forward, and the
Rebels gave way. The Slaughter among our
troops was terrific, but not'-near so great as-that
of the enemy.
Foßilms Momtoz, May 12,11104.—There
are four monitors - and several gun•boats within
foal miles of Fort-Darling, ready to co-operate
with our land forces, and a part Of them are
abreast of-the monitors, Our forms occupy a
strong position, and are strong' enough to held
it, and as snon•as Petersburg is taken, to'ad
vatice on Fort Darling with the land and water
force, With the will and detertnitiation.exist
ing in our ranks, there is no doubt of-success'.
It is supposed that General Kautz is now to
the - South- of Petersberg, aiming at the. de
struction of the railroads leading south from
Richmond.:-
SOU] o correspondents have probably announc-.
ed his defeat, and many of • his troops captured,
&c. It is not believed•here as Beauregard has
no Cavalry.
New York, May 12.-4 o'clock,.k. AL—Tbis
morning's Tribune contains the following:—
Head-quarters of the Army of the Potoimic,
May 11.—The most desperate of all battles
was fought yesterday, commencing at 1 , 80 and
closing at S o'clock, P.
•in dogged 'stubbornness Waterloo and Sol
ferina pale before the battle of the Po. Our
line stretched six miles to the northeiat of the
Po, the - Rebels occupying the' sontbwest bank
and village of Spottsylvania.
Our artillery, which got in range, poured
shot and shell into them as they charged for
ward upon our infantry.
The lines of the enemy used but little artil-
levy.
The prisoners taken say they were deficient
in ammunition, and eould not.
Gens. Grant and Meade were in the saddle
constantly.
It was arranged that the Ninth Corps should
charge the enemy's right flank, but just before
dark it was discovered that Lee had advanced
around our right flank and was moving down
in dense columns for the east, and make a strug
gle to break through our lines and dash upon
our supply trains, then known to be packed
on the plank road to Fredericksburg.
This changed General Burnside's purpose,
and he held his ground and threatened the
enemy's right, while the Sixth Corps charged
the centre, and at seven o'clock drove him from
his first lino of rifle-pits, capturing five' guns
and between two and three thousand prisoners.
Our men were quietly faced about, all the
trains moved to the rear, new positions taken
and the expected approach of the enemy pa
tiently awaited
No demonstrations were wade however
It was thought that the enemy had suffered
so !Severely that he could not take the advantage
he had gained.
In So horrible a strife it must not be supposed
that we escaped severe punishment.
Our losses in yesterday's fight were much
greater than in any of the battles of the pre
vious week.
A very large number are but slightly wound
ed. The roads, fields and woods are literally
swarming with these suffering heroes. Many
are also overcome with fatigue and suu-stroke.
The rebel prisoners assert that Lee ordered
all his wounded men able to hold a musket to
take their places iu the ranks again foryester
day's battle.
Our entire loss, thus far, in killed, wounded
and missing, must reach forty thousand.
The eneMy's loss in killed is much greater
than ours. He has two thousand of our priso
ners. We have five thousand. Ourscouts re.
port the roads alive with straggler's.
As your reporter neared Fredericksburg,
about 10 M. to-day, cannonading bad been
reamed, and.our army was unluvatiti.ublyert ,
.gai3i Ile, the e e tey a uiq.
We crossed the Po on Tuesday but withdrew.
We charged across it again last night.
Thus tar we have not lost a gun since the
second day at the Wilderness, nor a single
wagon since the campaign capped.
General Tabbott was captured last night.
General Crittenden went to the front this
morning.
tip to Monday night the reserve artillery
had not been brought into fire.
NEAR SPOTTSYLVAMA, CQURT Halls, May
12-11 &cloak, A. M.,A, Rebel battle flag
has just been brought in to head-quarters. It
belonged to the Forty-second Virginia, Col.
Withers; Johnson's Divison, and contains the
names of the different battles in whieth the re
giment took part.
The flag is a rvi square oae with a blue erosa
containing stars. The flag was captured by
the ninety-third ..NBW York, Colonel Crocker.
Thirteen of the eaptufed guns have been
brought to Gen. Grant's head -quarters. The
others are placed in'different positions in the
rear. Thai aro all excellent pieces, in gond,
condition, and my similar in appearance to
our own
Barlow's. Division of the Second corp. per
formed a brilliant feat this morning at daylight,
They advanced during, the night, and before
the break of day made their apperance directly
in front of the Bebe' intrenchments. They
charged, and before the enemy had time to fire
a gun they were surrounded and surrendered
at once.
Our men had to climb over their breat-works,
and used'the butt epds of their muskets in
bringing the Retralp to subjection. I learn that
Captain Fritz, Jr., of Philadelphia is wounded,
but is Aill in command of the Sixth Corps.
Twelve x.—There has been fur the past
half hour a brief lull in the battle, but the in
dications are that it will shortly be renewed
with vigor and will continne all day. Every
thing seeuis favorable, and both officers and
men aro in good spirits.
Our losses in the past eight days fighting
have been very beavy,'butit is impossible to
form any correct estimate of the same. The
accounts vary from 18,000 to 25,000; but
owing to the nature of the contest, which is
mostly in the woods, thousands may be lying
dead or wounded on the ground, of which no
record can at, present be made.
As I write heavy firing is heard on our left,
and it is thought that the Rebels are trying to
turn our left flank. We advance, but hard
work is before us, and it is thought that on to
morrow night the game will be up with the
Rebels.
BALTImonE, May 13,---Despatches frora
General Ilutler, says the fetersburg .express,
announces that Lee is in Richtn'ond wounded,
A despatch front General Grant conarms the
victory of Efancock lesterday-33 cannon and
4,000 prisoners captured.
He says, the Rebels fight obstinately, and
appear to have foUnd one last ditch.
Sheridan has taken and is holding the rail-
road juneticn in Lee's rear, and that Sigel de
stroyed 25 miles pf railroad between Staunton
and Charlottsville.
Heavy skirmishing continues in the vicinity
of Fort Darling.
PIIILA.DELPHIA, May 14.—The Bulletin has
a special dispatch from Washington,stating that
Grant's whole army is south of the River Po,
in pursuit of Lee.
The following dispatch has been received
froth the. Seciptiry of War
To Major-General Cadwalder: The dispatch,
ea from General Grant, dated Friday evening,
at 6 m., have reached this department.
The advance of Hancock yesterday, devel
oped the fact that the enemy has fallen back
four miles, where they remain in positiod.--
There was no' angazement ori Friday.
We have no Recount of geperal offluers be
ing killed in the battles of Thursday. Col.
Carrot was severely wounded.
dispatch from Sherman, just raceived,
dated May 14th, says : The flank movement on
Reseca bad forced Johnson to evacuate Dalton.
=C
OEN. SIGEL HEARD FROM.
WAsulNGTolsr, May 13—P, si.—An officer
who arrived here 14-day reports that it three
o'clock yesterday aftilinoon a despatch arrived
at headquarters from the front, from General
Sigel's command, dated at Butler's Mountain,
between Charlottesville and Lynchburg, on
Wednesday, at ten o'clock, A. sr , and announc
ing that our cavalry had torn up the railroad
between Charlottesiille and Lynchburg for a
distance of twenty-six miles below the former
place, and also thie the track of the Gordons
ville road, between Charlottesville and Kes
nick, bad been destroyed.
All the bridges between the above points on
both roads were destroyed.
When returning our forces encountered a
body of rebel cavalry, who came from the di
rection of Garter Mountain. A skirmish ended
in a repulse of the rebels, who fled in the di
nation 'they had come. "'llia- was the only
rebel force met with during the raid.
FROM. Tom, SOI.JTH.W.RaT.
CAIRO, May 11.—Tbe despatch boat G einem]
I vo from helm Terrts that, 00 09
.014
stant, the transports City Belle, Emma " (I
Warner, in passing a battery twelve mile r b e _
low Alexandria, were fired upon and destroyed.
T he gu,; :g b o „ s q Signal was also destroyed b
the battery, and the gunboat Covingto n RI ,
set an fire to prevent ber falling into the hands
of the Rebels.
This battery is aceraposed of guns captured
from Gen. Banks.
General Banks remains at Alexi,r,44, and
is strong enough to resist an.y ei4ek lA I 4 4.
ou him.
During the fight above Ale;and;ia,
the gunboat Joliet was destropd,, the 044, 1,
Admiral Porter's boat, Waged
Both engineers were killed and 14 4.7 khz
crew wounded.
MENtypis, May 10.—A47izea from Vi e 4.
burg state that au expedition had left there f t;
Yazoo City.
The Rebel Generals Lee, Rosa and Adura
were at Yazoo City with a large lorea, an/ IN
engagement was daily expected.
The Rebel General Forreat has passed soilth•
ward. General Sturgis was iwable to come ap
with him.
PASSING EVENTS, OcC.
Thanke.--Jomn SNIVELT ‘ Esq., will phase
accept cup thanks for a lot of tine Rhubarb.
Fair.—We learn from the Ihreeraburg Journal
that the ladies intend holding a fair in that plelt
55th Pennsylvania. This Regiment au
with BUTLIR in his fight with 1114 4 but in the list
of casualties we hay not peen the names of any of
our Greencastle telle.
Sale of Horges.—Horses are silting wall thlt
!mason. Mr Tic BARKDOk t , of Montgomery tows.
ahip, sold a fine him horse a few days ago, for the
gum of $240. Mr, BRENipt, a neighbor a the
former, sold one at the same time for $231).
Telegrams.—The telegraph operator et, 014
place has been very aecommodatiu; in giving iht
people the latest news. His bulletin bonni bey
beep. watched anxiously, during the present gm:
struggle.
Sanitary Fair. A° public nseotiug was held. Oz
the Presbyterian Lecture Room on last Saturday to
adopt some measure,s by svhicb an orgpized effort
may be made to send contributions from the peopls
of Antrim, to the great " Central Fair" to be bold
in Philadelphia next month. An Vaecutive
mittee, consisting of fourteen perert, was appoin
ted to carry ont the object of the meeting.
Pty Theft,_.Besides the stealing of bacon
there seems to be going en at this time, an illicit
trade in poultry, at least these feathered bipeshnse
a way of walking off at. night, without the knowl
edge of their Figittrul ownera, If some of the.e
chicken thieves were punished 10 the law provide.
it would break up the business, but although some
of them are known they are allowed to cantinas iq
their " slantindicular" ways.
Keys Lost .—We e understand tbats great many
persons have lately lost keys and leeks which they
allowed to lie about loose during the day time,:
From the extent which this matter has assumed it
is believed that there are some scoundrels who are
making a practise of stealing keys for the purpose
of having a full set, so that, when all things ere
ready, they. will be able to enter houses and stables
at pleasure. We may look out for burglaries. Let
all who base lost keys get new locks or so alter
their old gnu that they may not be easily opened,
ToW I I Natte.4l4e-41 great many complaints
are made e,hout the condition of the streets,
It may be well to remind some good people of their
own failings. We would like to know when the
lots are cleaned up and gardens undo, why so many
throw the rubbish out in the alleys? We would
like to know why some don't. even ttly to keep their
side-walks clean, nor often sweep before their on
deers? Why is the wet ep course mode the reeeptA ,
hle of decayed vegetable qpittp, old oboes, beer
bones, and whatever else people want to get rid of.
In the nezt place we would like le know the neces
sary repairs OW can be made without a good solid
tax is imposed
Marylaltd. iVe learn from the Ifs,
gerstown Herald and TorcA, that the President mid
Directors of the Westem Maryland ;Railroad will
shortly place a corps of engineers ou the route,
locate the road permane4tly.,.
One hundred ant(l3o) thirty shares of Ilegert
town Savings Bank pt9p3l sold peek before WI.
at
$2.25 per share.
A bright' mulatto, confined in the Hagerstown
jail, accused of horse stealing, escaped from "dare
ance vile," about ten days ago.
The Hagerstown Stage company, rasetttly in"r
porated, bss boßght pp bermes and stages, and tbeir•
ling' now malie regillar trips bstween Frederick
arid nenaooli, }44.
Lieut. SMALL, son of Judge SuALT., IS noire,
home. He was for sessratmontbs confined in Lib
by prison.!
Mereersburg Class" aeeecu
bled in this plaee last Friday evening, according to
previous announcoment. About forty member',
elerioal and lay, were present during the meeting.
After divine services, Classic was organized by the
election of fey. Dr. Fisher, of Chatnbersburg , °
President.; ,ittm
Deatrich, ef Ch.arlesvi lle,
stated Clerk. it continued its sessions during four
clays, having adjourned on Tuesday evening , t°
Meet. neat §prip.g in Shippensburg, Pa.
The transactions of this body were of an inter
esting pharacter, and throughout 'the greatest har
mony prevailed. The Parochial reports, of the se
eral restore exhibited en encouraging on, o f af
fairs4iths regard to religion and morale in all the
congregations, which was only temporarily inter
.
rupted last summer by 04 invasion
of the rein!
forces under Gen. Lee. The three hundreth anni,
vereszy of the formation And adoption of the 110
elelberg Catechism was duly celebrated in each ro-