r t Flo I — ,l IVI Ft SAMUEL WRIGHT, Editor and Proprietor. VOLUME XXXIII, NUMBER 50.] PUBLISIEED EVERY SATURDAY MORNING. Office in Carpet Hall, No HA-toes/corner of Front and Locust streets. Terms of Subscription. Oae eOpype rannum,i f pnidin advance, if not paid within t hree monthsfrorncommencesnen lofthe year, 200 9.G7oatisaoopp. Not abscription received for a less time [ban six months; andno paper will be discontinued until all arrearagesare patd,unlessat the option° fthe pub isher._ TrAroney.naybe:araittedb vmail a ithepublish ar a risk. Bates of Advertising. _ gu6l. ar e[B. Ines]one week, . •028 .. three weeks, 75 each.ubsequentinsertion, 10 0.. Ziatesfone week SO three weeks, I. 00 enchwbsequeniinsertion. 25 ;16argeradvertisemenpan proportion A jiberul liscoun.iwilibe made to quarterly, half &I sis o, :est.'s t•lvertisers t sek o are stricti}eon.fined other nuslaess. k frO:i4:1k{iiii4O*1 1 3:41 1 }:k:11:(0:06(0;i01 We give, from the correspondence of sev eral papers, as full an account of the late terrible battles before Richmond as our space will admit. Althouhh from different sources we believe ce have a sufficiently connected narrative of the 13iI days' fighting. Correspondence of N. Y. Times At the time the enemy first made their appearance to our pickets on the right, which was on the 26th, our force at Mechanicsville consisted of the Bth Illinois Cavalry, Cul. Farnsworth; six companies of the Bucktail Regiment, under command of Major Stone; and five companies of Pennsylvania Re serves. This force was distributed about the town, also on the road leading to Rich mond, the road leading to Ashland, and the road leading to Hanover. The videttes were keeping special watch on the Hanover road. The Pennsylvania Reserves were guarding the Richmond road, and having received timely information of the near approach of the enemy, returned to camp before the reb els could get between them and it. It was fortunate for Gen. McCall that he had the assistance of the five companies later in the day. They performed their part gallantly, and defended the rifle-pits to the last moment. At 10 A. M. on Thursday, the 2Gth, vi dettes on the Hanover road came into Me chanicsville with the intelligence that the enemy was approaching the town from the direction of Hanover. Three companies of the Bucktail Regiment immediately moved out to a distance of 1/ miles on the road in dicated, in order to support the pickets al ready there. The strength of the enemy was not then known, neither could it be as certained that he intended anything beyond a reconnoissance. TUE ENEMY'S ADVANCE No sooner had the reinforcements reached their destination than it was discovered that the rebels were advancing in considerable force from the direction of Hanover, they evidently having crossed the railroad at Meadow Bridge. The design of the rebels to tura our right could not now be doubted, and as it was clear that our small force would be insufficient to meet the attack, General Reynolds sent back to Gea. McCall for reinforcements. Meantime Land before the reinforcements could arrive, the enemy had pushed steadily onward, and was fast closing in upon Major Stone's force. The small command, howev er, was drawn up in line, ready to receive the rebels, and was determined to do its ut most, even if it lost the life of every man. The cavalry took their position in the rear of the infantry, and remained at their posts until it was evideat that the superior num ber of the rebels would ultimately drive us, when they retired farther to the rear, but still within supporting distance of the in fantry. Onward came the rebel columns, and firmly stood our small force to combat them. When the rebels had approached within rifle distance, Major Stone gave the command to fire, and a volley was poured into the enemy's ranks, which told with ter rible effect. At this fire a rebel major was seen to fall. The enemy returned the fire, and pushed his cavalry to our right, in order to surround our men. They at last succeeded in getting round to the rear, which circumstance placed our men in an exceedingly critical position. Major Stone, observing the importance of immediate action, rode up to his men, and shouted, "Shall we fight or surrender?"— "Fight!" was the hearty response of the Boated's; and, after giving one more volley to .the rebels in front, wheeled, charged through the cavalry in the rear, and gained a piece of woods, where they took temtorary refuge. Here they were again surrounded, and again they out their way through the rebel cavalry, and proceeded in a direction toward Gen. McCall's camp. Company H., and a portion of company B, who were on picket duty on the -Ashland road, were too far distant to join their com rades in season to make a retreat with them. It is feared that this portion of the Buck tails were 'captured by the rebels, as nothing has been heard from them since the com mencement of the Eight. THE LINE OF DEFENCE. The space between the Chickabominy and the lower road, the small stream and the up per road, and an open field for some distance on the right of the upper road, formed our line of defence. The left was held by Mc- Call's division, including the Bnektails that fell bank from Mechanicsville; the centre by Gen. griffin's brigade, and the right by Gen. Atirtiiidale's brigade. We bad a rife-pit on each side of the lines, aid a short distance THE POSITION OF THE TIATTERIES , Easton's Pennsylvania Battery occupied positions at the rear of the rifle-pits, so as to command the lower road. The other batter ies of McCall's division were placed at dif ferent points along the left of the line. We also had two batteries, of six pieces each, to protect the right and centre. At about 7 o'clock the enemy attempted to break our centre. To accomplish this he made vigorous efforts, bat he was boldly and successfully met by General Griffin, who ar ranged his men in excellent order, and en couraged them by his presence and daring. The 4th Michigan; Col. Woodbury, and the 14th New York, Cul. McQuade, especially distinguished themselves for the,many bril liant and prompt movements they made.— The 9th Massachusetts and 62d Pennsylva nia are also deserving of much credit for the successful manner in which they repelled the enemy's charge. While the rebels were endeavoring to force back our centre, the left of the column was also busily engaged in keeping the en emy from crossing the bridge over the stream on the lower road. The Pennsylvania Re serves fought bravely, and their unflinching perseverance was the only thing that pre vented the rebels from gaining ground in that quarter. The enemy seemed to concen trate his whole strength at first at the centre, and then at the left of our line, but in each attempt he failed to cross the stream. Our batteries did not spare the canister and grape, and whenever an opportunity offered a most terrible fire was poured into the rebel ranks. The Pennsylvania Reserves, who were in the rifle-pits, kept up an unceasing fire upon the rebels on the other side of the stream, and finally compelled them to aban don their original front position at that end of the line. I:1E1 At 9.30 P. M. the firing had entirely ceased, the rebels Ii id been repulsed, and we held our ground. Our loss was compar atively small, not exceeding 250 killed and wounded. AFTER VIE lUTTLE. Tho shrieks and groans of the rebels, when the battle was ended, indicated that their loss was heavy. The air was filled with the wails of the wounded and dying, and all night long the rumbling of ambu lance trains, and the suppressed voices of those engaged in burying the dead, and caring for the wounded could be distinctly heard. By order of Gen: Porter a strong picket force was stationed along the lines, and every precaution taken to resist any renewed at tack that the rebels might make. General McCall and staff bivouacked in the open air upon a field shamed near the battle-field, and necessarily passed a sleep less night. The silence of the night was frequently broken by the discharge of a picket-gun, and every one was on the alert fur the ene my, save the wearied soldier, who bad be come exhausted from the night's effort, and was indulging in a short but sweet repose. THE MORNING At three o'clock the next day the sleepers were aroused, and a whisper passed from ear to ear that the enemy were on tire move. The picket firing became more frequent, and it was evident that the rebels were prepar ing to renew the attack. Our men were again formed in battle array upon nearly the same ground occupied by them the pre ceding night, and everything was ready on our part to again flay the rebels. That the rebels received strong reieforee manta during the night, was a fact not to be disputed, and the event was certainly not unexpected by us. Intimations that the rebels intended to attack our right had been in circulation for a week at least, and we had no reason to suppose that so important a movement would be attempted by a light force. The enemy came prepared not only to force us from the stream and the Mechan icsville road, but also to drive us across the Chickahominy. Later in the day, the rebel force was estimated:to be not less than seventy five thousand men. The force we brought to bear numbered about twenty thousand. Of course, to hold oar position against such fearful odds was an impossibility, and the next best thing bad to be done. TIIE NEXT BEST TUING At daybreak, finding the enemy was rap- idly closing on our right flank, Gen. Porter issued orders for the whole force to slowly fall back to Gaines' Bill. This movement was conducted in the most orderly and satisfactory manner, and had I not known the nature of the movement, it would have been impossible fur me to decide whether the army was advancing toward or retiring from the enemy. No hasty demon strations were made, and every gun-carriage and every wagon held its place in the col umn. One accident only came under my notice, which was the breaking of , the trail of one of the ammunition wagons. Extra horses were subsequently sent back, and the disabled wagon taken to the rear. The rear of our column, as it marched to ward Gaines' Bill, was admirably protected by Robertson's United States Battery, Eas ton's Pennsylvania Battery, and the 9th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment. The ene my followed, slowly and cautiously, as if he feared being deCoyed.into some trap. The firing was not rapid, and we lost but few men. Good order prevailed. OCR FORCE. As has beeri. prelim:ski stated,,the rebel force was estimated to be 75,9kimen. "NO ENTERTAINMENT SO CHEAP AS READING, NOR ANY PLEASURE SO LASTING." COLUMBIA, PENNSYLVANIA, SATURDAY MORNING, JULY 12, 1862. Our force consisted of Morell's, McCall's, and Sykes' Divisions, and Cook's Cavalry Brigade, numbering altogether about 20,000. Our forces was distributed as follows General Mead's Brigade of the Pennsyl vania Reserve troops, on the extreme left, and near the Chickahominy. Gen. Butter field's Brigade, the left at the right of Gen. Mead's Brigade. Gen. Martindale's Brigade, the left, joining General Butterfield's right. Gen. Griffin's Brigade on the right of Gen. Martindale's. The division under command of Gen. Sykes at the right of Gen. Griffin's Brigade. Gen. Reynolds' Brigade of Penn sylvania Reserve troops at the extreme right of the line, reaching to Coal Harbor. Gen. Seymour's Brigade of Pennsylvania Reserve troops held a position in about the centre of the column, within supporting distance of the force in front. General Cook's Cavalry Brigade took a position in the rear of th e I extreme right. Robertson's United States Battery, of six pieces, Easton's Pennsylvania Battery, of I four pieces, and Keen's Pennsylvania Bat tery, of six pieces, took positions on emi nences at the left; Allen's Massachusetts' Battery, of six pieces, Martin's Massaehus etts Buttery, of six pieces, Weeden's Rhode Island Battery, of six pieces, and Griffin's United States Battery, of six pieces, held positions in about the centre. At the right were Tid Weed's, and Carlisle's United States Batteries, a German battery of four 20-pounders, and a battery attached to the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. At 12 o'clock M., the rebels fired the first shot from a battery stationed on the bill in front of Gaines' house. It was a solid shot, and struck in the woods at the rear of Gen. Martindale's Brigade, and between his ad vance and reserve columns. This shot was followed by several others before any of our batteries responded. At 1 o'clock sh.trp skirmishing was heard in front of the centre. By this we knew the rebels to be steadily advancing, and ex pected every moment to see them make their appearance on the brow of the hill before our line of defence. The firing became more rapid, but up to this time we had nut heard any volleys. The sth New York were in advance of the column, acting, as skirmishers, omisequently they were the first to receive the eumny's fire. MOVEMENTS OF TROOPS. Before the battle actually commenced, Gen. Newton's brigade crossed the bridge from the other side of the Chinkahominy, and drew up in battle line on the left, and in advance of McCall's troops. After re maining hero for about one hour they re crossed the bridge. I did not not under stand the object of the last movement, un less it was to assist the other brigades in case the rebels attacked them on that side of the river. In fact, the rebels bad already commenced shelling Smith's force from their places on Gaines' Rill, and we thought that within an hour's time a general battle would be raging. COMMENCEMENT or THE BITTLE. At about I. o'clock our guns began to re spond to those of the enemy. The skir mishers were already engaged in front of the centre, and soon after they got to work along the whole extent of the lines. The firing became more frequent as the enemy's pickets advanced. The skirmishers were at length called in and took their position in the line. By far the heaviest battle in which the army of the Potomac had yet been engaged. was now progressing. At 2 o'clock P. M. on Thursday the ar tillery on both sides were hotly engaged.— The infantry in force had not yet got into the fight, but not many minutes elapsed before they were also engaged. At one time we could not have had less than sixty guns in practice, and enemy had as many, if not more. The roar of cannon was truly awful. Shells were bursting in every direc tion, and a dense cloud of smoke covered the entire field. The enemy now advanced in columns to ward our centre. Martindale's brigade stood firmly to receive the charge, as also did the sth New York &eaves, who were on the right of Martindale. The rebels were re pulsed, but at the loss of numbers of our brave men. Hundreds of the rebels were seen to full, but their places were quickly filled by others. Failing to break our line at the first attempt, the rebels sent ever a large force to the richt, fur the purpose of turn ing our flank. IVs immediately strength ened that end of the column by a change of position. When the enemy had advanced to within about three hundred yards of our batteries, our guns opened with canister and grape. The slaughter was terrible, and the rebels were compelled to withdraw. Not only did the artillery do good execution on this oc casion, but also the infantry, who kept up a constant fire. It was near three o'clock. and during the hour following there seemed to be a lull in the terrible conflict. , The enemy were apparently bringing down rein forcements from Richmond notwithstanding their force already exceeded ours by over 50,000. We also found it indispensable to have a larger force. Accordingly, Gen. Slocum's Division crossed the river at Grape vine bridge, and proceeded to the right of the line. French's and Meagher's brigades subsequently passed over the sante bridge, and took position farther to the left. The enemy had made two charges and been re pulsed in both. It was now approaching 5 o'clock, and the enemy was preparing to make a charge on the left wing of this portion of our force. With this view he seemed to have concen trated the larger portion of his force on the hill directly opposite Gaines' house. He had been largely reinforced by fresh troops, and seemed determined to make one more vigorous effort to break our line. The reb els descended Gaines' Hill six columns deep, and in compact order. This mass of men gave our artillerists on the left a splendid opportunity for practice, and when the pro per time arrived a deadly fire was opened upon the advancingcolumns. An immense weight of canister and grape was thrown among them, and hundreds of their number were seen to bite the 'dust. The rebels, however, were not checked by our artillery, and onward they came toward our left.— General Satterfield, with uplifted bat, paced from ono. to the other cad of 'his brigade, cheering and encouraging his men, calling upon them to fight like soldiers, and, if need he, die like soldiers. -The conduct of General Butterfield during the whole en gagement elicited the admiration of every one who saw him. The presence of General Martindale among his men seemed to inspire them with double zeal, and they fought like men their fighting for the noble cause of their country. Every man stood at his post resolved to do hisntmost to repel the enemy. Volley after volley was exchanged, hut neither side wavered. At last the rebels poured a tremendous volley into our ranks, which thinned them out to an alarming ex tent. After a while, the superior numbers of the rebels also began to tell, and it be came evident that our troops would soon be obliged to give way. The troops under command of Gen McCall were nearly ex hausted, having been in the battle of the preceeding day, and having passed the night without sleep. Our men fought well, but they could not do impossibilities. One man could not contend against three, and come out the winner. The left wing began to fall back. The centre and right of the col umn were necessarily forced to do the same, and our entire line commenced retreating towards the river. The enemy seized upon the auspicious moment, and, with furious yells, rushed forward upon our broken ranks, The horses attached to the batteries on the left were nearly all shot, consequently many of the pieces had to be abandoned. Team sters and ambulance drivers began - to whip up their horses, and try to get up anotner Bull Run. Some portions of cavalry were galloping helter-skelter, and confusion among the infantry would haf , e taken place, had not the officers leveled their pistols, anti threatened to shoot the first man that ran. But to contend longer was useless. We had lost our position, and all attempts to rally the men for the time were vain. The command for the troops to retire in order across the Chickahominy was given, and the regiments commenced moving in that direc tion. It was nearly dark. The fight had been desperate, and the enemy did not seem inclined to press hard. With the assist ance of the reinforcements previously men tioned, another lino of battle was formed, about half a mile in rear of the first position. The object, however, was more fur the pur pose of covering the retreat than for renew ing the contest. The battle was ended. Throughout the day Gen. Porter was upon the field, and gave his commands in a man ner as cool and definite as if the spectacle before him was nothing but a game at foot ball. The disaster cannot be attributed to inefficient officers or cowardly men, but simply to the fact of our being overpowered in numbers. EM311:81112131 Three 'buildings, the only ones on the field, were used as hospitals. Late in the afternoon the wounded commenced to be brought in by the dozen. All the skill that surgeons possessed was employed in treating their wounds. The accommodations were not ample, and, in fact, they scarcely ever are on the field of battle. All that could be done was dune. E=l No tidings had been heard from Gen. Reynolds up to Saturday night. It was sup posed ho had been captured by the enemy. Lieut. Weld, aid to General Porter, went out with a detachment of cavalry early in the morning for the purpose of reconnoitre ing the position of the enemy. When near Gaines' 11111, he left the cavalry and went to water his horse at a stream running through a piece of woods. In about twenty minutes, the lieutenant having failed to re turn, the cavalry followed the road in the direction taken by him, and, when within a few yards of the stream, were fired upon from an ambuscade. It was inferred from this that the lieutenant was captured by the parties concealed by the brush. Lieutenant Edward M. Fisher, nid to General Butterfield, was killed while con veying an order to some portion of the com mand. Ills loss is greatly lamented, nut only for his military merits, but also fur his social qualities. Col. Black, of the G2l Pennsylvania; Col. Gove, of the 22d Massachusets, and Cul. McLane, of the 8341 Pennsylvania, were killed while leading their men forward in the battle. Capt. Kinstry, assistant adjutant general to Gen. Reynolds; Lieut. Col. Skillon, 14th New York; Capt. Easton, of Easton's Penn sylvania Battery, and Lieut. Mortituer, of Martin's Massachusetts Battery, are also among the killed. Major S. Tilton, 22d Massachusetts, was wounded and taken prisoner. Col. McQuade of the 14th New York, is wounded, but not seriously. Cul. Stockton, of the 16th Michigan, is missing. When last seen, ho was walking up the hill, in front of his men, fur the pur pose of getting a view of the enemy. lie was probably surrounded and taken prisoner. The sth New York Zniaves went into the battle with over 700 mon. They returned with less than 300. Tho 44th New York wont in with about 400, and returned with 250. The IGth 111iehigatt lost 300 men. The Peunsylvonia Reserves suffered ter ribly, as did nearly all the regiments station ed on the left of the line. General Butterfield's Brigade was cut up fearfully. Easton'a' Pennsylvania battery of four pieces was lost; Allen's Massachusetts bat tery lost four pieces; Weedenls Rhode Island battery, three; Edward's Pennsylvania bat tery, two; Weed's United States battery, two. and Kern's Pennsylvania battery, three pieces of artillery. Several other pieces were lost, but lam not yet informed to what batteries they were attached. = The 17th New York and the 19th Massa chusetts Regiments, under command of Col. Lansing, were ordered Thursday morning to proceed to Old Church and intercept the movements of Stonewall Jaason, who, it was reported, was on his way to cut (Cour communication iu the rear. Arriving on the ground, pickets were posted and scouts sent out to ascertain the location ofJacksoo, should he be in the vicinity. Scouts soon fell in with the rebel pickets, and discovered that the enemy was coming down on the Hanover road with a large force of infantry. cavalry, and artillery. This is tbo same forte that engaged Gen. Martindale on the main road leading to the White House.— Col. Lansing immediately withdrew his force, keeping a good guard on the rear, and pro ceeded to Turmoil's Station, on the railroad. The neat day. (Friday.) learning that the rebels were still pursuing, he destroyed everything of value at the station, and then went to the White noose, where he remain ed until Sunday morning. The rebels were I close on his heels, and it was only by mas terly manceuvring that he managed to keep them at bay. Before leaving the White House, Col. Lansing ordered his men to burn I a large quantity of sutler's stores, some commisary stores, and a large lot of damaged forage. This the men did under the pro tection of the gunboats which lay opposite the White Rouse. Most of the Government supplies that were of any value, had been placed on board transports and were on their way to Fortress Monroe. The next thing in order was to burn the White House and all the outbuildings. This having been ac complished, Cul. Lansing placed his com mand on four different gunboats, and pro tected the rear of the retiring vessels. Ar rived at. Cumberland the force landed and - destroyed a small amount of property, and then proceeded to West Point, where another lot of property of little value was also de stroyed. The whole force then moved down to Fortress Monroe, where they arrived on Tuesday morning. Correspondeo c of tho Boston Journal I= The passage across the Chickahominy was admirably conducted. It was not attempted at night, after the fight. It was delayed, even at the risk of another contest, to give time fur the complete" removal cf all the stores. Early on Saturday morning the troops began to move across. The rebels were completely fooled. They supposed there would be another fight, and sent over across New Bridge a largo body, on Satur day morning, to annihilate Porter. At 10 o'clock Porter was over the west side look ing upon them, with his batteries on Trent's Bill.lt was regretted that we were obliged to leave several hundred wounded in the hospitals, who could not be removed without exposing the entire army. 'laving secured the position on the west side, the bridges were destroyed. =3 There was yet much to be done to save the army. It was in a bad position. No one knew what obstacles there might be be yond White Oak Swamp—between that and the James River. If Gen. McClellan had had an intention of making a concentrated movement upon Richmond from the south side, ho was forced to give it up. His loss was severe. Lewis' Hill in front was an impregnable position, and ho must get un der the protection of the gunboats or be an nihilated. Gen. Porter marched around White Oak Swamp east, or rather crossed it at a narrow place, taking the road towards Carter's Station on James river. Morrell's Division went down the Williamsburgh road to Savage Station, to hold in cheek any ad vance from the rear by way of Bottom's Bridge, and to make his way subsequently over to James River. Sumner, Franklin and Keyes were in front, near Lewis' hill. They were ordered to send oft' all that could be transported of camp equipage and sup plies, and burn the rest, and then withdraw. All night long. Saturday night, the trains moved away in the direction of James river. At Fair Oaks Station a large amount of Commissary stores were destroyed, and here it was found necessary to leave several hundred wounded in the bands of the enemy. The enemy finding he had been fouled— that Porter was on the south side—that there was nothing at the White House—be gan to repair the bridges across the Chielta hominy, which had been blown up. B ith parties were active. After our transporta tion had got away, Sumner, Keyes, Frank lin and ileintzeltuan withdrew slowly and in order, taking a new line fronting the Chickahominy. About daylight the rebels discovered what was going on, and poured out from the linos at Dr. Lewis' Hill and across New Bridge. They pressed first one flank and then another, but were not in sufficient force to make an attack upon a rear guard so brave and determined as that which closed over the long line of transpor tation. Slowly the army receded—slowly it neared James River. Rebel cavalry were seen here and there by Porter in front, but they fled upon his advance. All Sunday was spent in this slow, cautious retirement. BOUTII OF WIIITE OAK SWAIM There are three main thoroughfares lead ing from Richmond southeast between White Oak Swamp and Jamee - River—the Williamsburg Road, Central Road, leading to New Market, and the Charles City Road. It was probable that the enemy would ad vance from all these roads to get in our ad vance. To make it more plain, let it be re membered that it was Gen. McClellan's in tention to reach. James river at Turkey Is land Creek, Which is eighteen miles front Richmond. These roads run in the same direction, and the rebels, not having baggage trains in front, can move faster than lie.— If they understand what he is up to by throwing a force along these roads, they can press his right flank, and perhaps pre vent him from coming under the gums of the Monitor and Galena. About 10 o'clock on Sundy, a portion of Porter's force, which had pushed up the New Market road south of the swamp to• ward Richmond, came upon a large body of rebel cavalry—six or eight hundred—which were advancing. Ills artillery and infantry opened, and the rebels stood not upon the order of their going back, but like the guests of hamlet's uncle went at once, with the exception of about fifty, sell° were taken pris oners. They were commanded by Major Ramer. of North Carolina. While Porter was thus putting out feelers, Keyes was in the advance nearing James river. Through Sunday and Sunday night the head of the column pushes its way. A body of rebels which bad been down toward the White Mouse, finding they were on the wrong scent, turned back, rebuilt Bottom's Bridge, and crossed to the south side, but were not in sufficient force to make an at• tack. MIXT ON SUNDAY-TIM EIVEMS" REPCLSED EVERT QUARTER The enemy suddenly became elated. His successes stimulated him to press us hard. Ile thought ho would have us. Smith's Division and Sodgwick'e fell back, via Sav age Station. on the York River Railroad.— It was necessary that they should halt and hold the position, that the long winding train might move away. • They took posi- dons in the woods north and east of a large field. All of their artillery, with the ex ception of two pieces, was masked in the front bearing upon the road down which they had retreated. They had not long to wait. First the enemy's skirmishers came in sight, carefully smelling their way like venturesome mice toward toasted cheese. They saw the guns glittering like gold in the sunshine. They looked, talked, pointed. Oae or two officers went back. Other officers came up. Soon the dark masses of infantry followed. The two gaud. put:theta a salute, but every- $450 PER YEAR IN ADVANCE; $2,00 IF NOT IN ADVANCE where else there was silence. Flushed with victory, the rebels started upon the double quick across the field to capture the coveted prize. Suddenly, quick as a flash of light ning twelve additional pieces hurled grape and canister upon them, followed by the roll of ten thousand muskets. No longer a thought of getting the pieces, but how to get out of the place. After a few frantic efforts, the ranks became confused, broken, disjointed, and notwithstanding the endeav ors of officers to rally the wavering columns, they fled precipitately, leaving a multitude upon the plain dead and dying. It was a trap most successfully set and sprung upon a flushed foe. In this affair Gen. Bun.s was slightly wounded. TIGIIT ON MONDAY But the enemy was pertinacious. He was determined to push McClellan to the wall, instead of being pushed. [leintzelman had charge of the rear. fie determined not to be outflanked, and also determined to give the transportation time to reach the new base on James River. Keyes, as has been stated, was in the ad vance, or rather opened the way for the re treat. Four or five miles below Bottom's Bridge, on the Chickahominy, is Long Bridge. To prevent the rebels front cross ing there and attacking our left flank, Smith was instructed to take position on the Long Bridge road. Nest to him, looking south toward James River, was Sumner's corps llichardson's and Scdgwiek's. Still beyond was lleintrelman's corps—Keurney, llook er, Slocum and McCall, the last two in re serve. The line was almost three miles long, sufficiently extended to cover all the roads running cast from Richmond, south of the swamp. To get a comprehensive view, select a point on James River, about ten miles below City Point—llardin's Landing. Three roads from Richmond partially converge at that place. It is Monday afternoon, and the head of Keyes' Division has reached the locality, and you see the interminable trains reach• ing up toward Richmond, and beyond all the Divisions mentioned, spread out like a tan. It was about 2 o'clock in the after noon. Placing his artillery in effective posi tions, the enemy opened fire upon Sumner, but occasionally sending shell over the heads of the division at the wagon trains, to create a stampede among the teamsters. But the guards kept cool and prevented any disorder. After an hour's cannonade, conducted with great spirit on both sides, the enemy adopt ed a new kind of tactics—an attack on both flanks at once. It was made against Sedg wick and Richardson, and was pressed so hard that Slocum was ordered up from the reserve. The infantry action lasted from half-past three to six. It was a btve fight on the part of our exhausted troops. They held their ground, and repulsed the enemy. It was an obstinate, bloody fight. These divisions have been so often in action that they know what it is to fight. More—they know how to fight. The enemy were nut in sufficient force to attack Smith. They made a demonstration, but the Green .Mountain boys were called upon, and quick ly settled the matter by driving the enemy out of sight in that quarter. =! Heintzelman, as I have said, was on the road furthest over toward James river. Early in the afternoon the enemy, in strong force, appeared, opening with artillery, and ad vancing division after division of infantry in solid masses. Ile resisted bravely, but was compelled to fall hack to a new position. The enemy followed, employing his old tac tics of hurling masses of men, now upon the right, now upon the left, and now sud denly in the centre. Ile held his ground unaided till G o'clock. His ranks were ter ribly thinned, and ho was compelled to bring up McCall once more. His division had been in nearly all the fights. It was worn out. ,But with hearts as true as steel, they responded to the order. Simultaneously up on their advance came fresh troops from ' Richmond, and loud and terrific as at any time during the six days' fighting roared the contest. But the masses of the enemy roll ed along the road. Their leaders had no care for saving life. This was war—a strife fur mastery. It was their determination to win, no matter what it cost. They rushed on impetuously, charged upon our batteries, captured Reynolds, and took a large number of prisoners. Hero the brave and efficient commander of the corps, Gen. McCall, went down at the head of his troops, supposed to be badly wounded. A score of officers fell. The lines gave way. It was a critical mo ment. Now or never was bravo work to be done. Now or never was the army to be saved. All hearts felt it, AU hands were ready. Men lived ages in those moments. 0 you who live far away among peaceful valleys, on sunny bill-sides, with smiling children at your feet, reading this tame ac count, cannot know the thrill which brave men feel when the heart swells no from its I most inmost depths to dare all, to do all that ' God has given to save defeat! Untutored men look with clearest visions in such mo ments down the future ages. They see, they feel that uncounted millions are beck oning theta to do their duty now. They are great moments! Sedgwick came. honker and Kearney came—Hooker with the Second - New Hamp shire, and First and Eleventh Dlassuchusetts; Kearney with the life-blood of New Jersey —brave men, all of them. They rallied fur a desperate charge—one which has determ ination in it, when every man feels that he stands at the gateway of centuries, as Leon idas stood at Therinopaylas. Twenty-four cannon additional were brought up. The united divisions, firm and unyielding as the granite of their native mountains, moved to the charge—onward, right onward, unheed ing death or life! They came upon the en emy like a thunderbolt, bore down the liv ing masses in front, as if they were automa tons—sent them flying over the field, and captured twelve pieces of artillery; one bri- Pade, including three regiments; also, Col. endleton, of the Louisiana Battalion, and ex-Congressman Lamar, of the first Georgia Regiment. It was the finale. The enemy was de feated at last. 'Ho bail come on with high hopes; he retired discomfited. It was a brilliant victory. It inspirited our troops. Here let me speak of the influence of music. While the fight was going on, Gen. Alorell ordered the bands to play. For a month they have been silent, under orders. They gave "Yankee Doodle," the "Star Spangled Banner," and "Hail Columbia." It was like bread to a hungry man. The troops felt the soul-stirring strains, and forgot that they were tired, hungry, exhausted, and ready to faint. THE GIMIWATS The rebels bad thrown a body of teen close down upon the ricer. The gunboats, when [WHOLE NUMBER 1,6G4. the fight began, moved up and opened with 10-inch shells upon the table land. It was a timely assistance, otherwise the rebels could have crept along the bank, flanked_ Heintzleroan and reached his rear. What narrow margins there have been in this war. I can say but little of the loss to us. The reports are varied—one as high as thirty thousand, one as low as ten thousand. We have lost three or four thousand, who were taken prisoners. I presume that seven thou sand will more than corer the casualties. =I I see no wisdom in stating that the rebels have lust two to our one. They have suffer ed quite as much as we. Fictitious estimates would do us no good, neither would it hurt them. There is but little doubt that Stone wall Jackson was killed by a canister shot from Martin's Battery. Cen. Barnwell Rhett, of South Carolina, was probably killed in the attack made up on Smith and Sedgnick, on Sunday. Geu. Longstreet is reported wounded. Correspondence of N. Y. Herald Tnr. lISTTLE OF MALVERN" RILLS. The last of the series of battles in McClel lan's magnificent movement, was fought on Tuesday evening, July 1, on Malvern Llills,• about seven miles from the position the Ar my of the Potomac occupies at present. The ground is for the most part open and undu lating, presenting a splendid position for a battle field. After the fight of the previous day, farther to the front, our army fell back during the night and took up the most eli gible position the country afforded, until it , was enabled on Tuesday night to fail back still further to Ilarrison's Landing. In the morning, anticipating a vigorous pursuit by the enemy, General McClellan himself es-' tabliehed the.lines of his army, and person ally placed his troops in position, prepared to meet the attack. The line formed a mag nificent semi-circle. Gen. Keyes was on the extreme right, with a portion of his com mand. Gen. Franklin's corps joined Keyes' left, and next in order from right to left wore, placed Sumner's corps, consisting of Rich ardson's and Sedgwiek's divisions; Heintzel-, man's corps, embracing Hooker's and Keat-. nay's divisions; next Gen. Couch's division,• which was detached from Keyes' command: , while General Fitz John Porter's corps, con-, sisting of General Morell's division and the regulars, formed the extreme left. The con-' figuration of the country rendered the loft almost certainly secure; for the lowlands beneath were completely commanded by our, artillery-And the gunboats. The right, how-. ever, was not FO secure, and that was. the' reason the position was found to be unterte ble afterwards. Tho enemy did not get his pursuing troops in position uutil the after noon. Fur several hours heavy cannonad ing was kept up on both sides—our ponder our siege guns, which were ranged in a splendid position near the centre or our lines, peuring, destructive volleys into the columns of the enemy as they were being brought forward and formed into line. After the artillery on both sides opened in the after noon, the shot and shell filled tbo air, and a most terrific earmortadiug was kept up, with intervals, fur hours. About half-past three o'clock the enemy's skirmishers advanced near our centre, and the opposing lines in front of General Couch's position were hotly engaged. In this attempt to break our lines the eucmy signally failed. Lie was speedily driven back at the point of tire bayonet, and; lost sever al colors, which we captured. Later-in the afternoon the enemy brought' out three light batteries, posted them near some barns in a wheat field, and opened a fierce fire on the same portion of our line. Several of our batteries in Hooker's and Kearney'a divisions immediately returned the fire, and sown silenced those of the moo ing. It was hardly sundown when the ene my made another attempt to pierce our lines in front of Gan. Porter's and Couch's posi tions. A terrible cannonade was opened,- and simultaneously heavy lines of rebels. were pushed to the front, under cover of the artillery. Our troops met them in the most gallant style, and the battle raged fiercely for two hours or more, the tide gradually sweeping round from left to right. Heavy cslutnus bad been sent in the afternoon bearing to our right, and apprehensions were entertained that the enemy naightburst out in that direction; but happily those pain ful apprehensions were not realized. The rebels hurled their forces, however, with fearful fury against our lines. Gen. Couch. who had immediate command of that portion of the line, in the most gallant manner planted the colors of his regiment where he • wanted them, and inspired his soldiers with. confidence. No troops fought more bravely than those engaged in this battle. After the firing was running round to the right, Gen. Porter sent to Gen. Sumner for rein forcements, and eeveral regiments, including the Irish brigade, were sent. This bold bri gade, headed by the intrepid Gen. Meagher, arrived in front in time to render the most signal service. Lieut. Col. Burke, of the • Sixty-third New York, is among the wound ed. During the engagement it was a mag nificent sight to see, amid the bursting shells, infantry, artillery and cavalry moving in side the semicircle, -with remarkable celerity, • to different parts of the field. General Mc- Clellan, accompanied by a portion of his staff ,'road along the field, and was loudly cheered by our Croups. In this battle, which closed soon after darkness set to, the rebels did not gain ono inch of ground. We drove them back at every point with fearful loss. Where our artillery opened with grape and canister the killed and wounded rebels were piled upon each other. Several rebel regi ments which came out in defiant line of bat tle were terribly cot up. The battle 'was brief, but bloody. The rebel lose must have amounted to several thousand. It is impes• @Halo to aocurately estimate our own, as cir cumstances compelled us to the leave many on the field. It is believed, however, that one thousand will more than cover it. Daring the.night our troops retired to Har rison Landing, where the wagons were also conveyed, and where we are now receiving reinforcements. The fearful rain storm on Wednesday tended to increase the disadvan tages under which our troops have been U..' boring. They had been fighting in the day time and marching at night for au or seven. days. The splendid manner in which they; fought has shown the temper of our troops. The enemy made no attack on Wednes day, and the time was occupied by our gen- , erals in getting up the stragglers, and in putting the various commands in good iight-, sag order. On Thursday the enemy bad pushed some artillery forward so as to throw•some abed r into our position; but the gunboats returned the fire with effect. At noon everything mas s quiet in that vicinity. L - ~.. rts,s
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