| From the Chronicle & Sentinel (Augusta,
Ga.) |
| |
| March 1, 1865 |
| |
| Press Dispatch News |
| The annexed news has been
prepared by the Agent of the Associated Press and officially approved: |
| Sherman's force consists of
about fifty thousand men. He is advancing on Charlotte rapidly --
destroying effectually the railroads and everything along his route,
leaving a track of desolation. |
| It is now thought it is his
intention to reach Greensboro if possible, and destroy the
{Richmond &} Danville railroad. His policy
appears to be to avoid all fighting and not to endeavor to capture
fortified places. |
| The wagon trains of the Army
of Tennessee are arriving and rendezvousing at Washington Ga. |
| It is reported that Columbia
was occupied by the enemy for a short time. |
| On Sunday, Feb. 19th, the
enemy confronted a portion of Cheatham's corps, two miles from Newbury
Court House. The enemy's force only made a strong feint on the place,
simply to cover operations on Columbia. They retired rapidly on Sunday
night and burned the bridge at Alston. The enemy destroyed the railroad
and then pushed on to join the main body which was marching towards
Charlotte rapidly. |
| The
{South Carolina} Railroad between Charleston and Branchville has
not been molested by the Federals. |
| The South Carolina Railroad
between this city and Branchville is being repaired. |
| The Wilmington
{& Weldon} Railroad beyond the Wateree
river has not been disturbed. |
| Orangeburg was only partially
destroyed. |
| The trestlework and bridges on
the South Carolina Roads North and West of Branchville are destroyed. |
| ***** |
| It is also stated by parties
just from beyond Columbia that the bridge and trestle work over the
Congaree this side of Kingsville had been burned. |
| It is said that nearly all of
the stores had been removed from Columbia. |
| ***** |
| Sherman's left wing crossed
the Saluda river at Alston, the junction of the Spartanburg and
Greenville Railroads, destroying the bridge at that point. The advance
guard was near Chester C. H. |
| Passengers go to Richmond now
by way or Washington, Ga. |
| ***** |
| Most of the Greenville road
from Alston to Columbia {Greenville & Columbia RR},
a distance of twenty five miles, is nearly destroyed. |
| ***** |