of cavalry was sent to protect that flank, and the corps retired to form position for the night. In the lines east of Petersburg comparative quietness prevailed. The bridges across the Appomattox, between Petersburg and Pocahontas, the village on the Richmond side of the river, were shelled daily by the batteries of Gen. Grant. On the same day, the 21st, a division of the 10th corps, under Gen. Foster, crossed the James, at a point between Aikin's Landing and Four Mile Creek, and occupied Deep Bottom, about ten miles from Richmond. On the opposite side of the river, about six miles from Gen. Foster, the enemy had a battery at a position called Howlett's. In this position he threatened, to some extent, the southeast approaches to Richmond. At the same time the 18th corps moved from Bermuda Hundred to Petersburg, and occupied the position vacated by the 6th corps.

Early on Wednesday, the 22d, the movement against the railroad was resumed. The object was to cut off the communication with Petersburg from the south. At the same time a cavalry expedition was sent about ten miles further south, under Gen. Wilson, to destroy the railroad. The general movement was designed to consist of an advance of the 2d and 6th corps directly against the road. The 2d corps was on the left of the Jerusalem road, with Gen. Gibbon's division resting its right on the left of the road. Gen. Griffin's division of the 5th corps was on the further side. The position of Gen. Gibbon was so near the works of the enemy that any further advance by him would bring on a general engagement. The advance was, therefore, ordered for the left of the line, consisting of the divisions of Generals Barlow and Mott, and the 6th corps. It was to have been made at daybreak, but was delayed by each corps apparently waiting for the other to lead. At length each corps was ordered to advance independently, and to protect its own flank as connection between was not made. The line was deployed in open style, covering a large extent of ground, until it approached the presence of the enemy, in more intricate ground, when the left of the 2d, under Gen. Barlow, was pressed well in toward the right, thus opening a gap between it and the 6th corps. Gen. Barlow threw out flanking regiments to protect himself. But no sooner was the entire line of the 2d corps in position, and Gen. Barlow's division had commenced to intrench, when it was attacked on the flank by the enemy. In its advance, the 2d corps had separated from the 5th, on its right, and the 6th was now far distant, on the left and rear. The enemy took advantage of the error. One entire division, with Mahone's brigade, pushed through the interval. The flank of Gen. Barlow was instantly rolled up and a large number made prisoners. This movement of Gen. Barlow's force quickly uncovered the flank of Gen. Mott's division, and exposed him to the same danger. Gen. Mott

at once fell back, with the loss of many made prisoners, and thus exposed the left flank of Gen. Gibbon's division. The line of intrenchments occupied by Gen. Mott was now captured by the enemy, who thus pressed Gen. Gibbon in front and rear. Several regiments were captured, with McKnight's. battery, before the enemy were checked by the bravery of the 20th Massachusetts. The broken corps was soon rallied and a new line formed, and further attacks of the enemy repulsed. The 6th corps was also attacked on its left flank by a division of Gen. Hill's command, and its advance line driven back, thus widening the gap between it and the 2d. In the evening, Gen. Meade getting both corps well in order, directed an advance. The 6th recovered its former line and the 2d a part of its line, and intrenched for the night. At daylight the enemy appeared, strongly intrenched, before the Weldon Railroad. The loss of the day included about two thousand made prisoners, four guns, and some colors.

On the next day, the 23d, Gen. Wright moved out to the extreme left, and finding that the enemy had not advanced so far, sent out a reconnoitring force to the railroad. They reached it unopposed and cut the telegraph. The 3d, 4th, and 11th Vermont regiments were then sent forward to hold the road. But they had hardly reached it when they were attacked on their flank by a division of the enemy under Gen. Anderson, and their position was turned at once. Several hundred were taken prisoners, and some were killed and wounded. The enemy, elated with success, pushed the troops back to the main body, and then began a general attack. The line was withdrawn toward evening to the cover of the breast works. The loss of the enemy in these two days was disproportionately small. Elsewhere, during the day, nothing of importance occurred.

On Friday, the 24th, the enemy opened with artillery upon the position of Gen. Stannard's division of the 10th corps. After an hour, a charge was made, which was repulsed with & loss to the enemy of one hundred and fifty prisoners, besides some killed and wounded. No important movements were made in other parts of the line. During the evening, the cayalry force under Gen. Sheridan, while marching from the White House to the James River, were attacked by the enemy and a bloody struggle ensued. The enemy were finally driven off, after a loss by Gen. Sheridan of four to five hundred men. His trains were saved from capture.

On the next day, the 25th, the principal demonstration was made in front of Gen. Burnside's position. It consisted of the advance of a strong skirmish line, which was easily repulsed.

The cavalry expedition of Gen. Wilson set out from the camps near Prince George Court House, on the morning of June 22d. His

force was between six and eight thousand men, with three batteries of four guns each. The column moved to the Petersburg and Weldon Railroad at Reims station. Here it took up and burned the track for several hundred yards, the water-tank, depot, and public buildings. It thence moved to Sutherland's station, on the Petersburg and Lynchburg Railroad, and advanced to Ford's station in the evening. Here two locomotives, sixteen cars, a depot, and a few stores were burned, and several miles of the road destroyed. On the next morning Gen. Kautz advanced toward Burkesville, which he reached in the afternoon, and destroyed the property of the road as at the other stations. Meanwhile the main body followed, and encountered in the afternoon a body of the enemy near Nottoway. A sharp conflict ensued until night, when the enemy retired. On the 24th the column reached Keysville, and bivouacked for the night. About eighteen miles of the road, besides other property, were destroyed during the day. On the next day the bridge over Staunton River was reached, but it was found to be well defended by the enemy. The return of the expedition now commenced. On the route they were so harassed by the enemy as barely to escape capture. On Thursday and Friday, July 1st and 2d, they arrived within the lines, in straggling parties, in a most pitiable and wretched condition, both men and horses being jaded and worn beyond description after their hard march, severe fighting, and the relentless harassing of the enemy. The entire wagon train, the ambulance train, all the guns (sixteen), nearly all their caissons, and many horses had been lost, and between ten and fifteen hundred men. More than a thousand negroes had been collected and followed the column, but most of them were recaptured by the enemy. It was asserted that about fifty miles of the Danville Railroad had been destroyed. A

movement was made by the 6th corps to aid the expedition, on learning its situation, but without important results.

The weather at this period was exceedingly hot, and the army suffered greatly. At the same time a drouth prevailed, water became scarce, and the dust rose in clouds at every movement. The condition of the army at this time is thus described by the "Army and Navy Journal":

The medical and commissary department had been troops were thoroughly worn out. While their spirit well conducted, but it is not too much to say that the and enthusiasm were, and always have been, beyond all praise, the fatigues of so extraordinary a campaign had been overpowering. Officers experienced had stretched out, dead or wounded, commissioned its effects as well as men. Their conspicuous bravery officers of all grades, not by hundreds, but by thousands, before the James was crossed. The effect was apparent in some want of skill and experience in succeeding battles. Captains were sometimes commanding the familiar forms and voices that had led them ing regiments, and majors brigades. The men missto the charge, would complain that they had not their old officers to follow. On the other hand, more than one leader of a storming party was forced to say, as he came back from an unsuccessful attempt charge as they did thirty days ago." A few comagainst the outworks of Petersburg, "My men do not manders, too, showed the fatiguing effects of the campaign by a lack of health, by a lack of unity and harmony, or of alertness and skill. The last attacks telling on men and officers, and the two achievements on Petersburg show clearly how the campaign was on the Jerusalem road of the 22d and 23d of June, put the matter beyond all doubt. On the former occasion, the gallant 2d corps, whose reputation is enemy's onset, and one of the very finest brigades in unexcelled, fell back, division after division, from the

the whole army was captured, with hardly a shot fired. In our account at that time the probable cause of the disaster was intimated. But when, in addition to this, the Vermont brigade of the 6th corps was badly cut up on the following day, it became clear that The pace was now too great. There was need of rest, the rapidity of the fighting must be checked awhile. recruitment, and some reorganization.

THE second movement against the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, and for the occupation of Lynchburg, thereby to cooperate with Gen. Grant against Richmond, commenced about May 31st. Gen. Sigel was removed from the Department of Western Virginia, and Gen. Hunter placed in command.

The commands of Gens. Crook and Averill, which retired to Meadow Bluff, were reorganized and prepared for a simultaneous advance upon the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad and Lynchburg. Gen. Burbridge, in Kentucky,

was ready to move upon extreme Southwest Virginia, so as to prevent any advance from that direction upon the rear of the combined forces about to move against Lynchburg. The position of the enemy at this time was most unfavorable for opposing these movements. Gen. Breckinridge, with the only Confederate force of importance west of the Blue Ridge, had been withdrawn to the army of Gen. Lee, leaving nothing but a few small brigades of inferior cavalry, about two regiments of infantry, and a small brigade of dismounted troops acting

as infantry. To supply the place of Gen. Breckinridge, the little force of Gen. McCausland was sent from Dublin depot to the front of Staunton, and Gen. W. E. Jones was ordered to take all the troops to the same position which he could move from Southwest Wirginia. Gen. Jones, accordingly, got together all the Confederate troops west of New River, dismounting the brigades of cavalry, and moved to Staunton. He thus left in the extreme southwest only a few disjointed bodies of cavalry, and Gen. Morgan's command to oppose the advance of Gen. Burbridge. As this force was too small to effect that object by meeting Gen. Burbridge in front, with the slightest hope of success, it was resolved, as the only chance of saving the Southwest, that Gen. Morgan should dash boldly into the heart of Kentucky, and thus draw Gen. Burbridge away. This was expected to be successful, especially as Gen. Burbridge had much more to lose in Kentucky than the enemy had in Southwest Virginia.

On Sunday, June 29th, Gen. Morgan at the head of two thousand men passed through Pound Gap, on the border of Kentucky. At the same time a body of Gen. Burbridge's command was moving eastward and passed by Gen. Morgan. From Pound Gap he moved to Paintville, thence a scouting party was sent in advance to pick up horses. This body passed to Hazel Green, Owingsville, Flemingsburg, and Maysville, without resistance, thence to Mount Sterling, where a force from Gen. Burbridge overtook them. Other parties appeared in various places, but the main force moved to Cynthiana and Lexington, and approached Frankfort. Property was taken everywhere, the railroads destroyed, and bridges burned. Gen. Hobson, with a force of sixteen hundred men, was captured, and by the 12th of June Gen. Burbridge, with his whole command, was near Paris in full pursuit of Gen. Morgan. At Cynthiana a conflict took place, in which Gen. Burbridge reports that he killed three hundred and took as many more prisoners. He says: "Our loss in killed and wounded was about one hundred and fifty. Morgan's scattered forces are flying in all directions; have thrown away their arms, and are out of ammunition, and are wholly demoralized." Thus, by these movements, Gen. Burbridge was lured back to Kentucky and Southwest Virginia, for a time secured to the enemy. The rest and reorganization required by Gen. Burbridge's command, detained him until all the available reënforcements in Kentucky were required by Gen. Sherman in his progress to Atlanta.

Meanwhile the other parts of the general movement were in progress; Gen. Hunter, after assuming the command of the Department, issued the following order: General Order No. 29.

Headquarters, Department WEST VIRGINIA, IN THE FIELD, **** It is of the utmost importance that this army be placed in a condition for immediate efficiency. We are contending against an enemy who is in

earnest, and if we expect success we too must be in earnest. We must be willing to make sacrificeswilling to suffer for a short time that a glorious result may crown our efforts. The country expects that every man will do his duty; and this well done, the protective care of a kind Providence will certainly complete success.

ensure to us a

transportation to Martinsburg, and all baggage not I. Every tent will be immediately turned in for expressly allowed by this order will be at once sent to the rear. There will be but one wagon allowed to each regiment, and these will only be used to transport spare ammunition, camp kettles, tools, and messpans. Every wagon will have eight picked horses or mules, two drivers and two saddles. One wagon and one ambulance will be allowed to department headquarters, and the same to division and brigade headquarters. The other ambulances will be under the immediate orders of the Medical Director.

II. For the expedition on hand, the clothes that soldiers have on their backs, with one pair of extra shoes and socks, are amply sufficient. Every thing else in the shape of clothing will be packed to-day and sent to the rear. In each knapsack there must be four pounds of hard bread, to last eight days; ten raone hundred rounds of ammunition, carefully packed; tions of coffee, sugar, and salt, and one pair of shoes and socks, but nothing else.

III. Brigade and all other commanders will be held strictly responsible that their commands are amply supplied on the march. Cattle, sheep, and hogs, and if necessary, horses and mules must be taken and slaughtered. These supplies will be seized under the direction of officers duly authorized, and upon a system which will hereafter be regulated. No straggling or pillaging will be allowed. Brigade and other commanders will be held responsible that there is a proper and orderly division of the supplies taken for our use.

IV. Commanders will attend personally to the prompt execution of this order, so that we may move through the country in this way-depending upon it to-morrow morning. They will see that in passing for forage and supplies-great attention is required of every commanding officer toward the enforcement of strict discipline.

V. The commanding general expects of every officer and soldier of the army in the field an earnest and unwavering support. He relies with confidence upon an ever kind Providence for a glorious result. The lieutenant-general commanding the armies of the United States, who is now vigorously pressing back the enemy upon their last stronghold, expects much from the Army of the Shenandoah, and he must not be disappointed.

VI. In conclusion, the major-general commanding makes it known that he will hold every officer to the strictest accountability for the proper enforcement of discipline in all respects; and that, on the other hand, he will never cease to urge the prompt promotion of all officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted men who attract recognition by their gallantry and good conduct.

By command of
Maj.-Gen. HUNTER.
CHARLES G. HALPINE, Ass't Adj.-Gen.

His first movement was made from the neighborhood of Cedar Creek nearly to Woodstock. The guerrillas in the rear soon became troublesome, and were partially successful in destroying his communications. The advance continued through Woodstock, Mount Jackson, New Market, to Harrisonburg. On leaving this place the column was divided into two parts, one of which took the road by Port Republic, and the other the direct route to Staunton. The movement to Port Republic was a demonstration against the right of the enemy, and it

encountered a movement on their part against the Federal left. At the same time the main body advanced in the direction of Mount Crawford, and met the enemy on North River, twelve miles from Staunton. A hot conflict ensued, as well here as at Port Republic, but the enemy were steadily driven on the North River, which exposed their right, and thus compelled it to fall back. At the same time Gen. Crook was approaching from the west, and the enemy in falling back retired toward Waynesboro' on the east. The loss of Gen. Hunter was two hundred and fifty. That of the enemy was severe, and included the commanding general, W. E. Jones. Staunton was immediately occupied by Gen. Hunter. Stores and railroad property of a large amount were captured.

The advance of Gens. Crook and Averill from Meadow Bluff was commenced on May 31st. They moved through Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, &c., to the Gaston depot on the Virginia Central Railroad by June 5th. This is about forty miles below the terminus of the road. Here the work of destruction commenced. The track was torn up, and bridges and culverts destroyed for a distance of ten miles. Thence the force moved over North Mountain, through Pond Gap to Staunton, and arrived on the 8th of June. The enemy attempted constantly to impede their progress.

On June 10th the consolidated command of Gen. Hunter marched from Staunton on the road through Middlebrook to Lexington, Gen. Crook's command being in advance. Three miles from Staunton the enemy, under Gen. McCausland, were posted behind rail breastworks, designed to delay the movement as much as possible. The steady advance, however, dislodged them, driving them ahead. Seventeen miles from Staunton they managed to kill two men and wound two others, when a strong force of cavalry dispersed them for that day. In the forenoon of the 11th Lexington was reached. The enemy had burned the bridge over the James, and were posted on the high bank opposite. They were driven off with artillery, after which the river was crossed at the fords and the town occupied. On Sunday, the 12th, the Military Institute and the house of Gov. Letcher were burned. Ten minutes were allowed to remove any property from the latter. A number of canal boats were destroyed, and considerable ammunition seized. A bronze statue of Gen. Geo. Washington, cast upon the orders of the legislature of Virginia, was taken down and subsequently transported to Wheeling, Va. On the 13th Gen. Averill was ordered to Buchanan, and the whole force followed on the next day. On Thursday, the 16th, Liberty was reached, and seven miles of railroad and the culverts and bridges destroyed. On the 17th the advance under Gen. Crook arrived within eight miles of Lynchburg at 10 A. M., and halted for the main force to come up. It arrived at 3 P. M., and moved on within

an hour. After an advance of two miles the first position of the enemy was reached. They immediately opened with a brisk cannonade, but were soon driven back two miles to their line of breast works with considerable loss to both sides. Night coming on Gen. Hunter was compelled to halt. All night the whistles of locomotives were heard in Lynchburg, bringing reenforcements from Richmond. On the next day the enemy appeared in force, and advanced to turn the right of Gen. Hunter's force. After a sharp struggle they were driven back to their breastworks, which were protected by others in the rear. The position of the enemy now appeared to Gen. Hunter to be so strong, and his numbers so great, as to destroy all hope of success with his army, now on limited rations. In the afternoon, therefore, the trains were started back, and at 9 P. M. the command commenced retreating, and marched until 1 A. M. the next morning, when they arrived within five miles of Liberty. At 9 A. M. the march was renewed until 2 P. M., when a halt was made three miles southwest of Liberty. The enemy followed close, and the skirmishing was continually heavy. The rear was brought up by Gen. Crook. At 6 P. M. the command was again on the march, and reached Bonsack's depot at 10 A. M. of the 20th, where a halt for rest was made. At 8 P. M. the march was resumed, via Buford's Gap, for Salem, which was reached at 5 o'clock on the next morning. The enemy continued a hot pursuit, and on the 21st captured ten pieces of artillery in a deep gap. Six were recaptured. That night the command rested all night for the first time since leaving Lynchburg. New Castle, in Craig County, was reached at 6 P. M. on the 22d. On the night of the 25th Meadow Bluff was reached by the force, being without supplies, except such as could be obtained from the sparse inhabitants of a mountainous country. On the 27th rations were obtained, and Gen. Hunter arrived at Loup Creek during the next day. On the same day the following despatch from Gen. Hunter was issued by the War Department:

Maj.-Gen. Dix:

WASHINGTON, June 28-4 P. M.

The following despatch has just been received from Gen. Hunter:

"I have the honor to report that our expedition has been extremely successful, inflicting great injury upon the enemy, and victorious in every engagement. Running short of ammunition, and finding it impossible to collect supplies while in the presence of an enemy believed to be superior to our force in numbers and constantly receiving reenforcements from Richmond and other points, I deemed it best to withdraw, and have succeeded in doing so without serious loss to this point, where we have met with abundant supplies of food. A detailed report of our operations will be forwarded immediately. The command is in excellent heart and health, and ready, after a few days' rest, for service in any direction.'

Nothing later than my telegram of this morning has been received from Gen. Grant or Gen. Sherman.

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. The operations of the expedition were commented upon unfavorably by two newspapers