March 31.—Colonel Powell Clayton, from his headquarters at Pine Bluffs, Ark., despatched the following to General Halleck, at Washington: “The expedition to Mount Elba and Long View has just returned. We destroyed the pontoon-bridge at Long View, pursued a train of thirty-five wagons loaded with confederate equipments, ammunition, some stores, etc., and captured three hundred and twenty prisoners; engaged in battle, yesterday morning, General Dockney’s division of about one thousand two hundred men, from Monticello; routed and pursued him ten miles, with a loss on his side of over one hundred killed and wounded. We captured a large quantity of small-arms, two stand of colors, many negroes, and have three hundred horses and mules. Our loss will not exceed fifteen in killed, wounded, and missing. We brought in several hundred contrabands. The expedition was a complete success.”—Lieutenant-General Grant, accompanied by General Meade, left Washington for Fortress Monroe.
A Diary of American Events.
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