THE GREAT CAMPAIGN: Latest News from Before Petersburgh; Return of Gen. Wilson’s Cavalry Expedition (7/2/1864)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 7/2/1864

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Severe Destruction of the Danville Railroad-Twenty Miles of Track Destroyed-Depots, Bridges, &c., Burned-The Rebel Cavalry Concentrate to Cut off Wilson's Return-Infantry Gone to Wilson's Aid.

NEAR PETERSBURGH, Tuesday, JUNE 28?11 P.M.

A large body of rebel cavalry that moved around our left, is now at Ream's Station, on the Petersburgh and Weldon Railroad.

Gen. WILSON's Third Division of Cavalry passed this place a few days ago, en route for the Danville and Richmond Railroad. The rebels were too slow in their movements to head him off.

Gen. WILSON reached the road, destroying many miles of the track before he retraced his steps. He met with no opposition until he neared the point from which he started.

All the track was composed of strap-iron, placed upon wooden supports. The destruction of the one was the destruction of the other. As the track was torn up it was placed upon the wooden sleepers and burned until it was bent and useless.

A locomotive and a train of cars were surprised at one station, and before the engine could move off all were in the hands of our men.

The cars were crowded with refugees from Petersburgh.

All the cars with the locomotive were destroyed.

Gen. WILSON having accomplished his work in the most successful manner, and destroyed over twenty miles of the railroad, rendering it completely useless, commenced his return.

When his advance guard reached Ream's Station, the rebels were discovered in force. They had been patiently waiting for his return.

At this station all the cavalry the rebels could muster were spread out, between our gallant raiders and their infantry supports.

All night they fought and during the morning of this day.

Gen. WILSON could not push his way through the rebel force, and consequently must fight on

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4248018/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Great Campaign: Latest News from Before Petersburgh – 2
Rebel News: Hunter’s Expedition – 2-3
Gen. Sherman’s Army: A Forward Movement – 3
News from Washington – 3-4
Proceedings of Congress – 4-5
The Treasuryship – 5
The Onion Fund – 5
Onions for the Army – 5
The Onion Movement – 5
Trinity Church Chimes – 5
Editorial: The Military View – 5-6
Editorial: Semmes to His Patrons – 6
Editorial: The Lost Leader – 6
A Merited Reward – 6