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The Savannah Daily Herald. FRIDAY. APRIL. I*. 1865. FROM OUR EVEJfWG EDITION OF YESTERDAY. THE GREAT BATTLES AHOIHVI) PETERSBIRG. CO\SF.fITIVE HISTORICAL ACfOIXTS OF THE SEIEBiI. DAYS’ OPERATIONS. FIUOAY S OFLEATIOXB. New York, April 13tli, 1 Tlie Tribune’s special gives the following account of this day’s fighting. At daybreak a movement was made to secure position to advance upon the enemy, covering \) bite* Oak Road, the object being to possess that road which intersects the Clarbome road lead ing to the Soutbside Railroad. At 8 o’clock Ayres Division, supported by Crawford’s and Griffin's advanced and immediately met re sistance from Rebel skirmishers, who were pushed back to within a mile of )\ bite Oak Road. At this junction the enemy massed and with their usual yell charged. Oar column wavered for a time and finally gave way,retiring slowly towardsßoydstown road, halting on a hill, where supported by Griffin's Division ; which had just come up, they took shelter in the breastworks. The enemy made several ineffectual attempts to dislodge them, a fierce fire of artillery and musketry meauwhile pouring death into the ranks of the Rebels. At 1 o’clock Miles’ Division was ordered to strike the enemy on the left, while the Fifth Corps again essayed to get posses sion of White Oak Road, by advancing sim ultaneously. The Filtli Corps moved upon the enemy who stubbornly held his ground for some time, when the rapid volleys from the right and the loud cheers that lollowed told of the successful issue of Miles’ attack on the rebel flank as he rolled up the enemy's line now broken, routed and falling back, lollowed by Warren (Fifth Corps,) who was soon in pos session of the coveted White Oak road. The field showed on every baud traces of the sanguinary conflict. Huge pines cut down by 3hot, and the ground over which Miles swept J down in echelon upon the enemy’s flank was covered with rebel dead. While this was goiug on, heavy skirmishing was taking place on our line as far as Hatcher’s Run, and our troops in that direction were advanced several hundred yards and en trenched, while the sharpshooters were en gaged silencing rebel batteries. Among the killed Is Major Charles J. Mills, Adjutant to Gen. Humphreys. The Tribune’s Washington special eorres pondent says that it was understood there that Grant’s plau was, that Sheridan should cut the Southside railroad and reach over to the Danville road. The Armies of the Poto mac and the James were to push over towards the left and turn Lee’s right flank, while the line in front of Petersburg was still to be held, and, if possible, advanced. Judging by the latest despatches, the whole plan seems to have been successful, including the cutting of the Southside railroad, the turning of Lee's right flank, and the carrying of a portion of the rebel works in front of Peters burg. Two lines of policy only, it is be lieved, remains open to Lee. To retreat to Danville, or, failing in this, to fight until Johnston can be hurried up on the Weldon railroad to reinforce him. This is believed possible, and herein military men conceive our danger. The IleraWs Filth Corps correspondence of the 31st, says the .enemy had been strengthening their ahuttls in front of their line, but no firing had taken place. The Corps had been held in readiness to move at a moment’s notice, but was not called upon up to*tbat time. The Herald's Army of the James corres pondence says troops were selected for spe cial service from both Corps and sent across the James under command of Gen. Ord. At sunset, on the 28th, they occupied the posi tion vacated by the Second Corps, which was moved to the left. In the midst of a rain storm Turner moved his division of the Twenty-fourth Corps, just after daybreak, down the Vaughn road, crossed Hatcher s llun aud pushed forward to make a connec tion with tiie right of the Second Corps.— With no fighting the connection was made. Other were also moved so as to make a continuous line. Turner captured a line of Rebel rifle pits with nearly all the Rebels in them, simultaneously. Gen. Foster rushed forward part of iiis di vision materially aiding Turner's success.— The advance of both of these divisions was inside the Rebel picket line, and within six hundred yards of the main works. Birney’s Division is on the right of Foster, strength ening the latter’s line. Thoughout the night of the 30th our men were busy strengthening their works, and now liave a line that will enable them to hold their ground against any forces of the enemy. Saturday’s operations. 0» Saturday’s operations the Tribune cor respondent says: At 7a. m. the Fifth Corps was again in motion, passing to the left along White Oak road to join Sheridan, executing the difficult movement of marching by the flank in the presence of the enemy, with drawing the divisions in rear of each other and marching them oft successively from right to left, the [left division (Crawford’s) executing the same movement by brigade, j While this was taking place the Second ■ Corps moved towards White Oak road by a i more direct route, aud established connection with the light of the Fifth Corps. Mean while, Sheridan with four cavalry divisions, passing around the left of the whole army, went through Dinwiddie Court House and toward the Soutliside railroad with unusual rapidity. The force which drove Crawford and Ayres across Gravelly Run, however, at once turn ed their attention to him, moving rapidly to the right, and. after a desperate conflict, he also was driven back within a mile of Din wkldie Court House; but, joined by War ren’s Corps, he again took the offensive and in turn drove the enemy, captured the posi tion known as Five Forks, together with about four thousand prisoners and several batteries of artillery'. He was then joined by Miles’ Division, of the Second Corps, and pushed westward for the Soutliside road. This he soon reached and took position upon it. The Fifth Corps, supporting the cavalry, also took 15 guns aud about 2,000 prisoners, enabling Sheridan to drive back the force which on Friday afternoon checked his ad vance near Dinwiddie Court House. On receiving this news it was determined to give the enemy no time to send troops to their right, and at once a simultaneous attack was ordered all along the lines by the Ninth, Sixth, Twenty-seventh and Second Corps. The order was given about nine o'clock at night, aud in less than an hour a furious as sault was begun on the Rebel entrenchments in the fronts of their several commands, re sulting in the enemy being driven in confu sion from their first into their second line of works, with a loss of over 5,000 prisoners, several forts, and about 20 pieces of artillery. The Second Corps was engaged all day in their front, and in spite of the terrible fire of musketry poured into their ranks from be hind ttieir works, they succeeded in main taining their new line several hundred yards in advance of the line they occupied iu the morning. , The Twenty-fourth Corps occupied tiie centre of our line, its left connecting with the Second at Hatcher's Ruff, and its right going left of the Sixth Corps. Before day light Sunday morning the Rebels made a furious assault oh our position, this time driving] a portion of the third Brigade from iheir breastworks, and capturing one hun dred prisoners. Their success, however, did not last long, the 20tli Pennsylvania, by a gallant charge, driving them back beyond trie first battle linA A sharp fire was kept up all day by both sides. Owing to the hot fire by pur sharpshooters, the enemy was unable to work his guns, consequently very few casualties occurred to our side from shells. Our batteries however, rained an iucessant fire into their entreuchmants. There was little fighting in front of the Sixth Corps until night, when considerable shelling occurred. Quiet also reigned in front ot the Ninth Corps. So matters stood until 10 o’clock, when the Second Corps was startled into sharper attention by a few shots from their front, soon swelling into battling volleys. The batteries joineil in the clamor. The firing spread rapidly to the front of the Twenty-fourth Corps, and on to the Sixth ; then away to the right, till it reached the Ninth Corps, about 11 o’clock,' at which time the fighting was at its height. Presently cheeis broke out in the front of the Second, as trie fire slackened. By 2 1-2 trie fire had nearly ceased along the whole line, but at 4 in the evening it suddenly broke out again, nearer than ever to trie Second Corps, while sharp artillery practice was heard far to the right, and again the crash of battle sped from end to end of the line. At 0 the battle was raging fiercely, but our colors were advancing all along the line. The Herald correspondence has the fol lowing account of operations on Sunday: At midnight Saturday Geu. Wilcox had orders to demonstrate on the right of the fine so as to draw the rebels from the left preparatory to operations in that quarter the next morn ing. Admiral Porter and all the artilleiy in the works on the right were also set at work. Wilcox’s skirmish line was advanced. Tne rebels were aroused, and soon sharp volleys of musketry were heard, indicating that they were at work. Amid the noise and smoke the skirmishers pushed on until reaching the outskirts of Petersburg, when they met a heavy body of rebels advancing upon them. A brisk engagement followed, but our num bers were so small that we were compelled to withdraw. Wilcox then got orders to attack Fort Mahone on the left, lie massed a column for the purpose. While this was being done similar dispositions were making further to the left, aud a system of cannon signals had been agreed upon to fix the mo ment of starting that all might assault simf ultaneously. Owing to a mist which hung over the field the preparations had been concealed from the rebels. At 4 o'clock the signal was given. The men advanced quietly and in perfect order, with fixed bayonets. That they went to slay was indicated bytheir being accompanied by a detachment of heavy artillery, prepared to turn and work the enemy’s guns. Pres ently musketry was heard—the Rebel picket line was reached. Now a hearty cheer, fol lowed by a roar of musketry. The cheering aud musketry firing is taken up and runs along to the left until it is lost in the distance. Instantly the artillery on both sides is at work, and two hundred big guns belch forth their thunders. But the work is quickly done. Harriman, of the 37th Wisconsin, acting Brigadier, gives the order, “Charge bayonets! double quick! Charge!” and awap the noble fellows went, over breast- Works, rifle pits, al/bati, cheranx de f,'rise , the parapet of the fort, into the main work, and the deed is accomplished. For one mo ment the thunderstruck Rebels looked and then took to flight. But our fellows were too quick for all of them and captured two hundred and fifty. Nine guns were found in the fort and quickly trained and set at work on annoying the Rebel batteries. This, with the simulta neous operations further to the left, cut the Rebel line in two,took from them command ing positions and a large amount of valuable artillery. Scarcely were were we quiet iu possession of the fort when the Rebels, baring reorganized their forces and picked up some reinforcements, came up w ith a determined effort to retake it. They made a most des perate assault, standing up manfully against terrific discharges of grape and canister, and withering volleys of musketry; but it was all to no purpose. Four times during the day did they attempt to retake this impor tant position, but were each time sent reel ing back in disorder, losing heavily each time. It was in one of these assaults that the Rebel General A- P. HijJ lost his life, seeking in person to lead his men up to the works. Meantime the Sixth and Twenty fourth Corps having broken through the Rebel lines in their front, were swinging around to their rear and coming down both upon their and flank. It was evident Peters burg was lost to the rebellion. The move ments of the Sixth Corps were so rapid that Gen. Lee himself narrowly escaped capture. As it was, his headquarters fell into our hands. RICHMOND. The evacuation of the city was seriously contemplated several days before it took place, but the final decision was not arrived at until Sunday afterqoon last, when Lee tele graphed, to Davis that Grant had rendered the holding of the city by him impossible. This telegram was read in the churches, and the departure of the leading Rebels com menced at once, and was continued through the night. .Test. Davis left at 8 p. m. for Dan ville, and it is understood the government archives were sent to that place and Wil ton, N. C. The city was fired by General Ewell, and although Gen. Weitzel on reach ing the city, endeavored to subdue the flames, one third of the city was destroyed. Among the buildings burned, were the War Depart ment, Post Office, Treasury Department, several churches, two banks and three news paper offices. It was understood to have been Lee’s de sign to endeavor to reach Danville, Va., and there fortify aud make another stand. This plan Sheridan’s movement has frustrated, aud Lee is now apparently endeavoring to get to Lynchburg. The works in front of Richmond consist of three strong lines wholly enveloping the city. The outer ones are continuous; the under ones consisting of a series of strong re doubts and bastion forts. All these mount upwards of three hundred guns, and would, when properly garrisoned, form an almost impregnable series of defences. Torpedoes were thickly strewn all over the ground, marked with little flags for the safety of the rebels, but which they neglected to remove in their hasty flight, and thus saved many of the lives of our men when marching into Richmond. The second line was found equally as strong as the first excepting as to abattis and torpedoes. The tliird line is first outside the edge of the town, situated on higli ground. These works, like the others, mount heavy guns. Davis received Lee’s despatch to evacuate while in church. Davis took on the train he escaped with, horses and car riages so 'as to take to the country in case the road was interrupted. He expressed himself as being yet determined not to give up, though it was certain he had but little hope left. Extra Billy Smith did not leave till after midnight. He left his wife behind, as also did Gen. Lee. The news of ihe death of her son W. H. F. Lee, in the bat lies, has been received. The legislature was in session as late as nine o'clock Sunday night, when they start d for Columbia by Canal and James River. Breckenridge left the city as late as half past six Monday morning. A number of Rebel officers were arrested in the city and parolled. The machinery of the famous Tredegar Works Richmond, were sent Danvilleaul a fortnight ego. Also that of all the facto ries. Davis is said to have carried with him about three hundred thousand dollars in spe cie. Gen. Lee was in Petersburg until the evacuation Sunday, and was very fretful and despondent. The fight was mainly under the direction of Longstreet. In the death of Hill, Lee lost a valuable Lieutenant, which aided rnueh in depressing his spirits Grant’s pursuit is in three columns. Food was so scarce in Petersburg, that many poor people went out to our camps and picked up the rations of beef and hard bread that were lying around, and many carried off the blankets they found in the log huts. Os tobacco there was plenty. Indeed the great features were the scarcity of food and plenty of tobacco. There was also a surplus of Ap ple Jack. The Tribune’s Washington special says, Davis has gone to Georgia, and will at tempt to re-establish his government at Au gusta. THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE CAPTI7RE OF FORT PFLASRI. Grand Ball at Department Headquarters. DISTINGUISHED PERSON’S PRESENT. (SPECIAL DESPATCH TO THE SAVANNAH DAILY HERALD.; Hilton Head, S. C., April 13th, 18G5. The Anniversary of the capture of Fort Pulaski was celebrated last evening by a Grand Ball at the Department Headquarters. The ball-room was iu an improvised build ing in the rear of General Gillmore’s resi dence. It was splendidly decorated with a profusion of flags tastefully arranged, iu the centre of the ball-room floor was painted the Vnited States coat-of-arms with the in scription: “Fort Pulaski, April 11th, 1862.’’ In the centre of the canopy were arranged the national flags of many countries. The party was given by the officers of General Gillmore’s staff, who conducted the affair with much skill and excellent taste, and were very attentive to their guests. Nearly all the officers of the Post at Hilton Head, and many from Beaufort, Charleston, and Florida, attended. The presence of the Northern excursion party to Fort Sumter, comprising many ladies, distinguished civiliaus, and military gentlemen, among whom were Gen. Double day, Gen. Dix, Gen. Vodges, Gen Wash burne, Brig. Gen. M. S. Littlefield, Hon. Henry Wilson, and others, added eclat to this brilliant occasion. M. S. W. BY 0. S. MILITARY TF.LEOBAPII FROM HILTON HEAD, THE CELEBRATION AT FORT SUMTER Progress of the Savannah Party. [SPECIAL DESPATCH TO THE SAVANNAH DAILY IIEEALD.] Hilton Head, April 13, 18C5. The Excursion Party from Savannah, on the steamer Blackstone, left here, at 1 o’clock this morning, for Charleston. All were in high spirits, having greatly enjoyed their trip thus far, and their brief visit here. THE NEW YORK EXCURSION PARTY. Visit to Mftchellville aud Beaufort. [Special Despatsh to the Savannah Herald.] Hilton Hkad, 8. C., April 13, 1865. . A portion of the New York excursion par ty has, this morning, gone to Mitckellville to inspect the famous negro town. Another party of the excursionists is pay ing a visit to Beaufort to-day. [Official.] OFFICE oF THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR, Department op the South, Hilton Head, 8. C., January 12,1806 CIBCPF.AB No. 4. I. The attention of all Medical Officers in charge of Regiments or Detachments, prisoners of war, and Quartermasters’ employees, is called to the necessUy of immediate re-vaccination of all recruits, contra bands, and prisoners of war, and Quartermasters' employees, as soon as they arrive at me Regimental or other depots. There is always a supply or vaccine crusts at the Purveying Depot of this Department and all Medical Officers must always be amplv provided with them. 11. Medical Officers of this Department are again reminded of the obligation of economy in the use of stationery. Halt sheets of letter paper must invaria bly be used when the nature of the communication admits of ft MEREDITH CLYMER. _aprl3 Medical Director Dep’t of the South. (Official.; OFFICE OF TIIE MEDICAL DIRECTOR, Department or tue South, Hilton Head, S. C\, March 29, 18(55. Circular No. 9. The Surgeon General of the Army requires a strict compliance from all Medical Officers iu this Depart ment with the following instructions. (Circular No 2, S. G. 0., 18*55;: “In all cases, either in hospital or in the field, in which death is supposed to result from the employ ment of anaesthetic agents, a detailed report of the at tendant circumstances will be transmitted by tbe Medical Officer in immediate charge of the patient, through the ordinary channels, to the Surgeon Gener al. Medical Officers in charge of Hospitals and Sur geous-in-Chief of Divisions, will endorse on the re ports of their subordinates their opinions of the facts Together with the report, a sample of the anaesthetic agent employed will be forwarded lor analysis.” MEREDITH CLYMER, aprl‘2 Medical Director Dep’t of the South. (Official.; OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR, Department or tbe South, Hilton Head, S. C„ March 14, 18(55. Circular No. 7. Ail civilian employees in the Quartermaster’s De partment who may require treatment, will be received Into the General Hospitals of this Department. At Posts where there are no General Hospitals, the same will be received and treated In Post Hospitult. They are entitled to the same privileges as enlisted men under the same circumstances. A tax is imposed on all civilian employees of the Quartermaster’s Department for the benefit of the Hospitals. By order of the Medical Director, D. S. WM. F. BUCHANAN, _aprl2 Asst Surg. U. 3. A.. Executive Officer rp B. BYNNER, 175 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. WATCHES AND JEWELRY Os every description. WATCHES Particularly adapted to ARMY PURPOSES, In Extra made Cases, GOLD AND SILVER, AMERICAN, SWISS, and I deal in nothing but TIME PIECES. from SBO to $5100; Silver, from 20 to S9O For parried 18W send for my prices lists. Established 20 yea™ and confidently refer to any respectable Mercantile House in the city; also the Editors of this paner T. B. BYNNER, ' 17r> Broadway N Y mfnts Wee°kly S e ab<mrd m^-^odfm 6 ' ADVERTISING. mTnJthe^Xeof'fhe™ 1 ' attentlo,l ° fbußlneßs SAVANNAH DAILY HERALD f?» Advertising Mcdinm. Onr connections are irl h v.i h twe “ re sure of i arK e editions each day. We have agents at all important points, and all ar dieted for an 4oTi > oJ indled Bpac £ we accor d to advertisements ren ders its use especially valuable, and we believe our terms to be very reasonable, compare with the high prices which rule in other lines of business. To ADVETISE LIBEALLY. * J? tb ® trnc policy of bnsneiss men, and we believe that they cannot find a better medium for this city the South > than tl »e ■ AVANNAH DAILY Hl*l*Al.ll JJEKALD JOB HUNTING OFFICE, No. 11l Bat Stu&t, Savannah, Georgia NEATLY AND PROMPTLY. We have tbe BEST PRESS IN THE WORLD For doing a variety of work and doing it .n „ „ We employ * “ 11 8 “ ff ell. FIRST CLASS PRINTERS. Os long experience and tried ability. We have NEW PRINTING MATERIALS, From the bear Northern foundries, to which we are CONSTANTLY MAKING ADDITIONS. We are prepared to execute orders for Pogters ’ Placards, Handbills, Programmes. P]ayßiUs - Circulars Bills of Fare. Visiting Cards Wedding Cards, Tickets, Business Cards, Letter Heads, Bill Heads, Drafts, Receipts, Checks, Passes, Labela> Constitutions, By Laws, Pamphlets, Ballads, Legal Blanks, Calendars. Envelopes, Or any other kind of Printing, IN ANY STYLE. We have a FINE ASSORTMENT OF INKS FOB PRINTING IN COLORS. ORDERS BY MAIL OR EXPRESS work whlbl K?ded“ and CateM atteDtiOD ’ Bndthe FREE OF CHARGE FOR TRANSPORTATION. *2 dO , all our work well, and to give complete satisfaction to our customers. * OUR PRICES Hut SJ2" P r <*enthi?h cost of stock, mate rial, labor and living will admit of, and are be ow ihe ncreased rates whfeh .rule in other lines of bSeM 8. W. MASON & CO„ 111 Bay street. Savannah, Georgia. QTEELE & BURBANK, 11 Merchants' Row, Call the attention of Wholesale nncUKetai? purchasers to their superior stock of * MILITARY AND NAVAL CLOTHING AND FURNISHING GOODS, Watches, Clocks, Fancy Goods, Jewelry, and Plated w l nf’^T ord8 ’ Sa f hee ’ Belts, Embroderies, Boots, Caps Field Glasses, Gauntlets Gloves, Ac., Ac., Ac. " QOTTON SEED!!! COTTON SEED, IN LARGE OR SMALL QUANTITIES. Will be purchased at Fair Rates by the undersigned, “SEA ISLAND" PREFERRED. Parties desiring to sell, will Mate quantity for dis posal, and price per bushel desired, and where located. Address, T. E. SICKLES, mar 7—ts Box 14, Hilton Head, S. C. J} UNBARS A FRANZ, NO. 10 MERCHANTS' ROW, Hilton Head, S. C. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN , „ „ SUTLERS’ GOODS i all Descrip ions ts. f'U>OD LIVING," ~’ „. A-T At reasonable prices, can be had at the EAGLE OYSTER and REFRESHMENT SALOON, in the rear of the New Post Office, Bn ion nead, S. C. m^^r t^ e „X el 7,^ ea L fßeilitieß for furnishing OYS TERS, CLAMS, MEATS, POULTRY, VEGETABLES, <kc., from the North and other places in this vicin ity. Cooked to ordei from 6A.M.to SP. M PETER FITZGERALD, Proprietor. P. S.—One trial la respectfully solicited. Bakery a confectionery’ establish ment AT BEAUFORT. We respectfully call the attention of the public to our Bakery A Confectionery Establishment in Sam. A. Cooley's Building at Beaufort, at which we are prepared promptly to fill any orders which may be for warded to ns. Special attention is paid to the mau ufacture of Ornamental Pieces, Fancy Confectionery, and Elegant Pastry, for holiday or festival tables, Feb. 3-ts McMANUS A MURRAY. Q N. BELLOWS A CO., Wholesale and Retail Dealers in SUTLERS’ AND NAVAL STORES, DRY GOODS* BOOTS AND SHOES, HATS AND CAPS, Ac , NO. 8 MERCHANTS’ BOW, HILTON HEAD, S. C. C 'mkm hoWt ' J - W. TAYLOR’. 1865. NEW SKIRT. THE GREATEST INVENTION OF THE AGE IN hoop-skirts. , W - Bradley’s New Patent DUPLEX ELLIP TIC (or double} SPRING SKIRT. Wests, Bradley A Cart, (lateJ. I. & J o West) n d rßiPßetTi P R et T a , nd Maaufac turers, 97 Chambers and *9 and 81 Reade streets. New York. This invention consists of duplex (or two) elliotic mgether iU e g^i, ‘P n^ Ußly br £ lded ’ tightly and firmly jESSf'S d S 6 ’ ?, akm * ,be toughest, most flexible, elastic and durable spring ever nsed Thov seldom bend or break and consequently preserve their gerfect and beautiful shape twiceas CgasTny other Thi wonderful flexibility and great comfort and to ‘l Dy la( J y we »rii|K the Duplex Elliptic Skirt hu a* 1 ® * x P ei^enc ? d Particularly in all crowded assem blies, opera, carnage, railroad ears, church pews, arm and House dress, as the Skirt will fold it߀lf| when in use, to occupy a sihall dlacc? easily and conveniently as a silk dress A lady having enjoyed the pleasure, comfort, and C 4S«?, enCe • ° f iwearing the Duplex Elliptic Spring Skirt for a single day will never afterward wil bngly dispense with the use of them. For Children, others °ung Ladies they are superior to all They are the best quality in every Dart and nn snri 8 eoom!m 3 !r. h | e Ju? h f teßt ’ moßt deßira b£ comfortable !£, and 'V B“’ rt , ever made. For sale In all first class stores in this city and throughout the United * 16 Cuba ’ Mexico > South America, aud Inquire for the Duplex Elliptic Skirt. _ mam M3mo R°™B TO LET AT HILTON nEAD, S. C., in p abnetto Herald Building, comer of Mer and Palmetto Avenue, suitable for busi “ Jod ei r ‘K?- Apply to J. T. RIVERS, premUc *> or H. T. JUVERS, at the Custo, “ ou,e ‘ ts inar4m