The Lancaster Ledger

From our Lancaster, August 1

Dear Ledger: - A plan, with a portion of his army, and Hampton's cavalry, made a successful and brilliant attack upon the enemy yesterday evening near Kearneys Station, on the Petersburg and Weldon railroad, about ten miles south of the former place. The forces immediately engaged in this fight were principally from Heth's Division, and one Brigade from Wilcox's Division. McGowan was held in reserve and consequently lost but few in casualties. We are sorry to inform you that Garrot Sims, of Company I, lost his left leg-amputated below the knee; this was the only casualty in the Lancaster companies. One man killed and three wounded sum up the total loss of the 12th Regiment, all the wounds excepting one, were inflicted by artillery. O. H. Buchanan, of Company F., killed; Allen Jones, of Company I., shot through arm, flesh wound.

This was the most successful little victory we have gained since the opening of the campaign. Hill marched the larger portion of his troops in their left rear, and attacked and took them unaware. Hampton also operated further around to their rear and captured with his cavalry 700 prisoners. Great praise is given the cavalry for their gallantry, in charging and taking the breastworks from Yankee infantry.

Our whole capture sums up about 2,700 prisoners, (including one General, and about 60 commissioned officers) Seven-stand of colors, and flag annexes, besides cannons, and other valuable property. Our loss was very small; the enemy did not fire more than twice before they surrendered. Their loss in killed and wounded is represented by those who walked over the ground as heavy.

The prisoners arrived here to-day, guarded by the 13th S. C., under command of Capt. Kerr. Heth's Division and the other troops followed in their rear and marched through the streets of the city with bands playing and Yankee colors floating. Some brass, Immediately in Heth's rear came all the cannon and other captured property. The citizens and soldiers received them with a shout of triumph.

Genl's. Wilcox and McGowan both had their horses killed from under them; also Capt. L. C. Haskell, A. A. G. to McGowan.

All is quiet to day; the usual shelling and picket firing is kept up on some portions of the line

Yours