Sheridan March 1865- The Last Campaign IV

FROM GEN. SHERIDAN.; Splendid Condition of his Troops 300 Rebel Prisoners and 3,000 Negroes at White House Our Entire Force Across the Pamunkey Longstreet Thought to be in that Vicinity.

 FORTRESS MONROE, Monday, March 20.

Major COMPTON, of the Eighth New-York Cavalry, accompanied by Capt. MOORE, of Gen. SHERIDAN's Staff, and several other officers, and the principal scouts of SHERIDAN's army, arrived here last evening on the steamer Matilda direct from the White House, on route to Washington, with seventeen battle flags, most of which were captured near Waynesboro, in the battle with Gen. EARLY's forces. Gen. SHERIDAN's troops are in the very best condition, and appear to have suffered little or nothing from the effects of their long march from Winchester. About 300 rebel prisoners are now at the White House, together with some 3,000 negroes, who followed our troops as they passed through the country.

A large number of prisoners were captured during the raid, but owing to the rapidity of SHERIDAN's movements many of them had to be abandoned, and others made their escape owing to the relaxed vigilance of their guards, who were glad to get rid of them. The entire cavalry force has crossed to the south bank of the Pamunkey River, and is now engaged in recruiting, preparatory to new movements.

The rebel Gen. LONGSTREET, with his corps, is supposed to be lurking in the vicinity of the White House; for on the evening of the arrival of SHERIDAN at that place, frequent skirmishes occurred between his advanced pickets and unknown small squads of the enemy, who appeared to be prowling about for reconnoitering purposes.

The steamer J.W. Everman arrived here to-day from Moorhead City, N.C. She brings no later advices from either SHERMAN's or SCHOFIELD's armies.

-The New York Times: March 22, 1865


NB: That should be a Major Hartwell B. Compson mentioned in the first sentence. The 23 year old Major would win the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Waynesboro some three weeks before. His citation reads:

Capture of flag belonging to Gen. Early's headquarters.

That flag now resides at the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond.