From the Army of the Potomac

NEW YORK, Aug. 17. – Interesting details of movements by Grant last Sunday show that the main line of works extends along a commanding ridge crowned by formidable earthworks. Along the crest in front of this defensive line is, however, a series of rifle pits intended as a strong skirmish line, proved as it was designed an effective obstacle to our advance: but early in the morning a portion of the troops, and the left under command of Gen. Birney, on advance rushed forward, charging in gallant style and almost without firing a shot drove the enemy from his rifle pits, recovering the Kingsland road, and captured about 100 prisoners, among those were officers and privates from 10 different regiments, and Todd’s and Wilcox’s divisions. Those were Longstreet’s troops.

The enemy retired into his main entrenchments during the afternoon. Our troops drove the enemy from an important position at the Junction of Kingsland and New Market Roads, on the route to Richmond; and one of Foster’s brigades by charge captured some rebel guns. From Strawberry Plains other troops advanced on the roads leading towards Richmond. The Cavalry under Gregg charged up the city road, from which, after a sharp engagement, Hampton’s rebel legion was driven in considerable confusion, retiring at length in a northerly direction.

Early in the evening Gen. Barlow, with a portion of his command, charged one line of rifle pits and took it. The enemy resisted stubbornly, with artillery and musketry, but our men assailed the position, a sort of isolated crest, took and now hold it.

Our position is such that Lee must recall his forces operating North under Early, and in addition, must come out and fight in front of his works this week or whole retire within the Richmond defenses.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, August 20, 1864