The New York Herald Newspaper, May 14, 1864, Page 1

THE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 10,102. ONWARD! Eee FICTORY AT ALL POINTS. SECRETARY STANTON'S DESPATCHES Interesting Telegram from Gen. Grant, Dated 6:30 P. M., Thursday. “The Enemy are Obstinate and Seem to Have Found the Last Ditch.” Brilliant Conduct of Han- ock’s Corps. LACONIC DESPATCH FROM HANCOCK. “1 Dave Fiuished Up Jobnsen and am Now Going Into Early.” fast diteh, pany, while we have destroyed and captured one division (Johnson's), one brigade (Dobbs’) and one regiment entire of the enemy. this department. NEW YORK, SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1864.—WITH SUPPLEMENT. eral Smith demonstrates wpon Drury and the enomy’s ines. Geners} Kauts, with bis cavalry, has been sent to cut the Danville Rajtroad near Appomattox station, andcao Perbaps advance on James river. We bave had no telegraphic communication with Gene ral Sherman since Wednesday, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Secretary Stanton’s Second Despatch. Wasumaron, May 18—2:30 P M. To Major General Joy A. Drx :— A despatch from Lieutenant Genera! Grant has just been received, dated near Spottsylvania Court House, May 12, 6:30 P, M. It ie as follows :— ‘The cighth day of battle closes leaving between three and four thousand prisoners in onr hands for the day’s work, including two general officors and over thirty pieces of artillery, . The epomy are obstinate, and seem to have found the We have lost no organization, not even a com- EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Secretary Stanton’s Third Despatch. Wasnnatox, May 13—6:90 P. M. Major General Dix: The following despatcb from Mr. Dana has just reached EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Srorrsrivaa Covrr Hovsy, Va., May 18-8 AM. Hon. B. M Sraxton, Secretary of War:— Lee abandoned his position during the night, whether to occupy @ new position in the vicinity or to make a thorough retreat is not determined. One division of Wrignt’s and one of Hancock's are en- gaged in settling this question, and at half past seven A, M. bad come up on his rear guard. Though our army is greatly fatigued from the enor- mous efforts of yesterday, the news of Lee's departure inspircs the men with fresh energy. The whole force will soon be in motion; but tho heavy vaios of the Inst thirty-six hours render the roads very difficult for wagons and artillery. The proportion of severely wounded is greater than on either of the previous days’ fighting. This was owing to the great use made of artillery. Splendid Exploit of Barlow’s Division. They Surround, Surprise and Capture Rebels in Their Intrenchments. Secretary Stanton’s Fourth Despatch. CONDITION OF OUR WOUNDED—RBINFORCEMENTS GOING FORWARD. Wasnincton, May 13—6:65 P. M. Major General Dix, New York:— IMPORTANT FROM SIGEL’S CORPS, Whe Railroad Between Charilottes- ville and Lynchburg and Gordons- ville and Keswick Destroyed. ALL BUT ONE RAILROAD CUT. THE DANVILLE ROAD TO GO NEXT. The Desperate Battle on Thursday. OVER FORTY CANNON CAPTURED Thousands of Prisoners Taken on That Day. The Retreat of Lee’s Army. OUR FORCES IN CLOSE PURSUIT Our Wounded in Excellent Condition. The Union Army in Fine Spirits and Confident of Success. Bey Be. THE OFFICIAL DESPATCHES, Gecretary Stanton to Major General Dix, ‘Wasatroron, May 13—6.30 A. M. he Mayor General Dix:— OMicial despatohes are just received by this Depart ment, dated yesterday at eight o'clock A. M.,at the Qattle Meld, noar Spottsylvania Court House. They state (@at during the night General Hancock marched from his grevious position on our right and oecupted the ground Between Gonerals Wright and Burnside, At daylight he attacked with his accustomed impetuosity, forcing the @eet and thon tho second line of tho enemy’s works, cap- faring the whole of Edward Johnson's division and part @ Early's, togother with Major General Johnson, General @taart, and from thirty to forty cannon. ‘The number of prisoners is not given, but it Is to be @vanted by thousands. General Burnside, on the extreme left, openod at the @ame time with General Hancock, and advanced with omparatively little opposition, His right has formed a sanction with General Hancock, and bis left is now ac ively engaged. General Wright's troops attacked ata quartor past seven @elock, and aré now at work. General Warren is demonstrating to hold the enemy in front of his lines. The robel works at that point are ex- @eedingly strong. Adespatch has been received from General Butler, @eted ‘‘In the fold, near Chester Station, Va., May 12, sar. Mu.” Bi ctates that he is now pressing tho enemy near Fort Barling, and bas before him all the troops from North @arolina and South Carolina that have got up. Beauregard’s courier was captured this morning, going te General Hoke, in command of Drury’s Blof. He bada Geapatoh at sting that Beauregard would join them as s00n Me troops came up. Gillmorg bolds the intresghbments, whi Geo Potomac. ‘Deen captured, and is now heavy salvos of artillery. sharply contested, and nothing can exceed the ferocity of The Acting Surgeon General reports that of five hun- dred patients from the recent battle field admitted into the Harwood Hospital, not ono will requiré any surgical ope- Fation,and that, in bis opinion, two thirds of the whole mumb:r of wounded will be fit for service in thirty days. Reinforcements are going forward to the army of the EDWIN M. STANION, Secretary of War, General Ingalis to Senator Nesmith. Wasmircron, May 13, 1864. The following despatch has just been received by Senator Nesmith from General Rufus logalls, Chief Quar- termaster of the Army of the Potomae, It brings positive information from the front as late a8 noon yesterday. General logalls says:— Srorrsrivamia Court Hoves, May 12—12 M. we ve made a ten strike to-day. Hancock went in at daylight, He has taken over four thousand prisoners and twenty-five guns, and is still fighting. Everybody is fighting, and has been for eight days, We shall have them this pop, though it may take a day or two more. They fight Iike devils. Oar losses are heavy, Cannot say how many. If Augur’s forces were here now we could finish them today. Hancock captured General Ned Jobnson and two other generals, besides lots of lower grades, ‘The old republic is firm! Bet your pile on it. Grant is a giant and hero in war; but all our gonerals are gallant; and as to our men, the world never had bet- ter. Yours, in haste, INGALLS. THE OPENING ON THURSDAY. Near Srorrerivamia, May 12—8 A. M. ‘The day opened this morning with the following news, sent in the form of « despatch from General Hancock to General Grant:— Gawens1—I bave captured from thirty to forty guns. I Bave finished up Johnson, and am now going into Early. W. S. HANCOCK. 8 I write the whole line is engaged, but the heaviest fighting is being done by Hancock’s corps. Major General E. Johnson is @ prisoner. He command. ed the ‘Stonewall division” tn Ewell’s corps, comp sed mainly of Virginia troops, ‘No doubt of his capture existe, for he is sitting on a log Defore me at the present moment, ip conversation with some of our generals, ‘Tho attack was commenced this morniog at daylight by Hancock, who moved forward his whole line, and is now driving the enemy. Brigadior General Stuart, of the rebol army, bas also bin our lines. The artillery fring in the direction of Genera! Hancock fs Increasing in extent and rapidity, A considerable portion of the Fifth corps is actively May 12—11 A. M. The battle continues with great fury; but wo are engaged, and is doing woll, steadily galuing ground on the rebels, ‘The Sixth corps has gone fo the reliof of the Second, and 1s actively ongaged at tho present moment. The musketry Oring is tremendous, accompanied with Every incti of ground is boing the contest. Heavy fring 8 progressing bear General Grant’s hoad- quarters. The captured artillery are being brought to the rear, ‘tnd the roads loading to the difforent corps hospitals are filled with soldiers who have boon woundod at the front ‘and are seeking medical treatment. A drenehing rain set in about nine o'clock; but it seems to hat 10 effect in abating, the fighting im the front, ‘The reads are knee deep with mud, and very unfavorable for military operations, A rebel battle flog,bas fast been brought tn to head. quarters. It belon, to the Forty-recond Virginia regi- ment, Colonel Withers, Johnson's division, and contains the names of tho different battics in which the regiment took part. The fing was captured by the Ninety-thira Now York regiment, Colonel Crocker. ‘Thirteen of the captured guos have been brought tm to General Grant's headquarters, and ethers are placed in different positions in the rear. They are excellent pieces, 1m good condition, and are very similar in appearance to our own. Barlow's division, of the ‘Second corps, performed Drillians feat this morning at daylight. They advanced during the night, and before break of day made their appearance directly in front of the repel Jatrenenments. ‘They charged, end bofore the enemy had tii00 to Gree gun they wore surrounded and surrendered at once. the butt ends of their muskets to bring the rebels to suB- Jecsion. General Wright is slightly wounded, but he is atill In command of the Sixth corps, f Everything seems favorabie, and both officers aad men are tu good spirits, Our lorses in the past eight hours have been very heavy, bus it is impossible to form any correct estimate of them, ‘The accounts of our losses vary from eighteen thousand to twenty-five thousand; but, owing to the nature of the contest, which is mostly in the woods, thousands may be lytog dead or wounded on the ground of which no record can be made at present, THE BATTLE ON THURSDAY. Mr, L. A, Hendrick’s Despatch. Huapquarrens, Furta ARwy Corrs, In TaN >} ‘May 12—6 P. M. There is @ lull tn the battle storm, which bas raged with fearful and unprecedented fury since daylight. It may be a lull to another storm of wilaer fleroeness. Meantime I send by special messenger a leading outline Of the battlo’s progross since my despatch of this morning. Gen, Hancock captured, tn bis brilliant affair of this morning, it seems, seven thousand prisoners and tbirty- two cannon, instead of the number I gent you a taken. My statement I received at army headquarters from Capt. Meade, son of Gen, Meade, which was corroborated by other staff officers. At this time the prisoners had not been brought in, nor the accompanying report of General Hancock. it is @ correction Jam glad to make; for it is seldom that the reports of captures do not place the figures too high, and compel their reduction afterwards. This victory of the brave commander of the Second corps and his valiant troops has nerved the arms of our soldiers in to-day’s fight beyond precedent, and they have fought with unparalleled zeal and steadiness in this most deeperate of all our battles. The main fight has thus far been on our left. The Second corps fought four hours—a long, severe and deadly strife, In the ficld lie large numbers of our gallant dead, whom a mourning nation, when they come to read how nobly they fought and feil, will mourn as hallowed heroes. Superhuman effort has beeu made to turn this flank; but our columns of tnfantry stand firm, and by their continuous musketry, and the steady streams of shot and shell from our cannon, pushed the enemy back, covering the disputed ground with piles of rebel dead. At length the Sixth corps went to tho rellof of the Second, and, in additiun, has taken a largo number of prisoners ard twelve cannon. With like steadiness and heroism they have withstood tho desperate assaulis of the foe, and pressed upon them in twocases with mus- kote bayonetted, forcing the enemy at this point two miles back of the position they held this morning. Our troops hold the road and rising ground on whicb is Lande- man’s house, where the enemy bad several batteries sta tioned and parallel lines of strong earthworks, Losing this point is asevere loss to them, for if was the bost Point along their entire line. ‘The attack here was simultaneous with that made on the left. The first Division of the Fifth corps, in obeying the orders to push forward the enemy’s skirmishers, ‘went forward half a mile in advance of their earthworks. Fixing bayonets, they were ordered to advance further, fire one volley, and then take the enemy’s works at the point of the bayonet, ‘They pressed up to within fifty yards of tho enomy’s intrenchments, when the enemy fred om thom with grape and canister. Multitudes feil in the onward struggle, and still our men did not yield tn their attempt to storm the enemy’s works. Reinforcements came to the assistance of the enemy, and, to avoid being flanked, our troops were obliged to fail back, which, however, they did tn the best order. This division, commanded by General Griffin, never showed greater courage than jn this attack; as also did General Wright's, General Coulter's apd General Craw- ford’s divisious of the corpe, ‘The enemy attempted afterwards to drive thom from their position, but have been unable to do so. Our losses thus far havo been hoavy, but it Is believed the enemy’s losses are much heavier, It is rumored that General Wright, commanding Gene ral Wadsworth’s old division, is wounded; but the rumor is Dot substantiated. 1 Lee not Captured. We are authorized by the War Department to state that the romored capitulation of the rebel Gen, Loe and his army is untrue, ‘The public will be oMficially notified of all promincat events, REQUISITION FOR MILITIA. of Lee's Men, ‘Wasnxatow, May 15, 1964. The government this afternoon made a requisition 09 Governor Bradford for the immediaie services of two thousand Maryland militia for one hundred aays, on the terms on which the Governors of the different Western States have recently placed their militia in the Geld. They are to relieve the other troops now doing guard ‘and post duty in Maryland, who are to go at once to the front. ‘The prisoners captured yesterday morning in [lan- cock’s charge upon Johnson's division report that the Tebel army ts in a state of almost total insubordination on sccount of the want of food. One hundred and Afty skedaddiers from Geveral Grant's army, who were taken from the boute whicd «r- Tived at the Sixth stroct wharf tate last night, wore this morning sent to the Provost Marsbal’s office. Not ove of these men were wounded, but some ropresented that they had beou sunstruck, They will be placed on gar- rison duty in the various forte around the city. THE VERY LATEST. The Latest Despatches Ree ceived from the Battle Field will be Published on the Eighth Page. Is General Wadsworth Dead? News of the probable safety of General James 8. Wads- ‘worth is conveyed in the following extract of a lettor from Captain Philip Schuyler, of General Patr stat, received bere yesterday afternoon, The letter says — Heapquartens, ARMY oF THE PoTOMA0, } 81x Minas wonTu ov Srormetivarts Covat Hoi 8, May 10—12 M. ‘Wo have news this morning from General Wadsworth. A prisoner states that be saw bim op Sunday morning oF Saturday night, lying OD @ couch Ip & hospital tent, with One of eur officers attending him, He was shot io the head, The bullet entered near the nose, The General ras brosthing with some dificulty, and playing with the The rebel accounts state positively that General Wada worth was killed. A meeting of the Union Defence Committee was held yesterday—Hoe, Hamilton Fish in the chair—in reference to the supposed death of General James 8. Wadsworth, and with the view of tendering aa appropriate tribate to Bia memory. Recent statements from tho army alford- ing grounds for hope that General Wadsworth may stil) ‘de living, the committee adjourned to await further in formation and to meot at the call of the chairman. The Reported Capture of Gon, Crawford. Paraviiraa, May 13, 1864 Our mop ed te clea over pete Hryaetworns end wen, |. Zhgre m6 ceqpelch. ig tom Elafing thay General Cres ford, commanding tho Pennsylvania Reserves, was cap- tured by the rebdela on Tuesday, Colonel &, M. Jackson, Of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserves, is now ip com: mand of the division, The Reserves have met with Deavy losses, HANCOCK IN THE WILDERNESS. The March tothe Battle Ficld—Grand Fighting of the Oppos' Pire im the Wil sa— Magnificent Conduct of Hancock the Fiela—The MR. FINLEY ANDBRSON’S DESPATCH. ‘Wasiatoy, May 13, 1864. Having heard that my despatches giving an account of Genera! Hancock's operations in the Wilderness were captured by the euemy, I deem it proper t» dictate from memory @ connected account of that tremendous struggle, Particularly the events which transpirod in bis front, of which I was @ witness, with such reference to the move- ments of other corps as are necessary to elucidate Han- cock's operations. Im the movements of such formi- dabie armies as those operating io Virginia, when opposing forces are engaged in battle, the lines @re so extensive that it is impossible for a singio Individual to witness all that transpires in ry Portion of the field. Having been requested to describe the opérations of Gen. Havcock’s corps, while other correspondents were assigned to the otber grand divisions of the army, the reasons for the slight allu- sions to other corpa will be immediately perceived. In this account I have given a detailed statement of the P@astions of our troops, which wag not contained in the desfiatches captured by the enemy. ‘TUB BVOUAO AT CRANCELLORSYILLE, Aftgr Gen, Hancock had crossed the Rapidan at Ely’s for€ on the morning of the movement, hia troops encamped on old Chancellorsville battle ground. Birney’s division occupied the precise posi- tion fp which it had fought just one year before, The old Chancellor mansion was a mags of ruios. While that battle was progressing it was sot on fire by the shells of the enemy, and being filled with wounded at the timo, some disabled soldiors per: ished in the flames. The forests still presented most desolate signs of the battle which raged twelve months ago. Graves, skulls, ekeletons, and other physical evi dences of the terrible oxrnage of that memorable contest were everywhere visible. The Fight on Thursday. ON THB MARoA, On Thursday morning, May 5, the corps started off at daylight, and marched along the narrow road leading through the Wilderness, On tho line of march flankers were thrown out on each side; £0 that at a moment's Rotice the column could be formed in line of battle, and tho flankers thrown forward ag skirmishers. Gen. Han- cock had reached Todd’s tavern at nine o'clock, when an 8d arrived from General Meade with the information that tho enemy was in force on the Orange turnpike, abous two miles from the old Wilderness Tavern, and direoting that untilthe matter was developed he should balt there with biscommand, Accordingly the troops were massed in that yicinity—a portion of the corps being thrown into position to anticipate any movement of the enemy. General Hancock made his headquarters in a greve of pines, where ho received and communicated with sevoral of the generals, And so at Todd’s tavern they awaited the developments of the enemy’s operations and tho opening of the battle APPEARANCE OP THE ENEMY. During the course of the forenoon an order was re- ceived from General Meado directing Gonoral Hancock to move up the Brock road to the junction of the Orange Court Houso plank road, and put his troops in position to move out in the direction of the plank road towards Par- ker’s store, Later information disclosed the fact that the enéfny’s infantry bad driven our cavalry from Par- ker’s store along the plank road, and were now moving down the road in force, The rebel General A. P. Hill’s corps led the advance of this movement on Parker's store, Ags s00n a8 our cavalry was driven in Geveral Gotty’s division, of the Sixth corps, was sont out to check the movement of the enemy. General Hancock was to move to the support of Getty and endeavor to drive the enemy ‘back to Parker's stor for in the meantime General Warren’s front extended from the Orange pike to within a mile of the plank road, in the vicinity of Parker’s store, and if Hancock were successful be could occupy that placo, with Warron on his right. The moment he received the order General Hancock put bis corps again in motion, and by twelve o’clock the whole command was moving to the designated point. ‘They had not been many minutes on the march when ‘the sound of guns in the distance announced tho fact that the game bad opened. General Griffin’s division, on Warren’s left, of the Fifth corps, was hotly engaged with the enemy, and was slowly falling back before over- whelming forces on the Orange Court House pike. General Crawford's division was witbio a mile of Parker's store, but ‘was unable to hold that advanced position. It was, thorefore, of groat importance that Hancock should hurry up to the support of the troops engaged, 80 as to eaulist the attention of the enemy. Tho distant round of can- bon inspired the soldiers, and they marched with groat celerity to the scene of action. General Getty’s division was already formed in line, awaiting their arrival; for he ‘was not strong enough to mako the attack alone, Shortly after two o'clock the head of Haucoca’s column, march- ing along the Brock road, joined the left of Getty’s line at the Orange pike. DIS POSITION OF HANCOCK'S FORCKS, ‘The diferent divisions were formed as speedily as pos afbie in three lines of battle. The first line was advanced into tho Wilderness; the second line occupied the road, where the troops tore down the fence in front of them, and with introncbing tools quickly constructed = tempo- rary breastwork; the third line also threw up another breastwork by cutting down the trees and covering them with earth, #0 that wo had one line for attack and two for defence, if the enemy sheuld make a vigorous assault. The position in front was one vast and interminabie wilderness, It was not like @ grand old forest, studded with stately pines and massive oake, but could be compared to nothing else so well ag tooneof those dreary, impenetrable jungles of the torrid zone. =. A tection of Edgell’s battery was placed in the road #0 as to command the Urange pike betweeo fancock's right and Gotty’s left. While the troops of tho Second corps were getting into position Wadsworth’s division, which had been put in on tho left of Grifin sustained @ fearful Gre, and was being slowly driven io, in conse quence of which Crawford’s division, which bad also been engaged, was cautiously withdrawn until troops suf. ficient to meet the superior numbers of the enemy could be doployed into position, 60 that at this time a portion of eur line must havo been a mile im rear of whore it was before. The batteries of tho corps were arranged on tho only piece of open ground in the Wilderness that Colonel Tidball could find suitable for the operations of artillery. Tho infantry of the corps was formed with Biroey’s division on the right, Mott's on the left, and Barlow's on the left flank, while Gibbon’ division, which bad necessarily changed position on the march, was coming up asa reserve, After that division reached the ground General Owen and Colonel Carroll's brigades were sent to tho support of Birney on the right, while General Webb's brigade was rotained upon the left, When these dispositions were eifected, General Hancock—who had now the command of troops from nearly every General Birney to the command of the right of his line, and General GriMn to the left, while he took goneral su- pervision of the whole, . Ate quarter past (gur agenoral advance was ordered all along the line, and the skirmishers pushed Into the Wilderness followed by the line of battle. They were soon encountered by the enemy, and a flerce fight imme. diately ensued. The enemy stabdbornly our ad. vance, yet we gaived ground slowly bai furoly. roar of musketry was fearful and incessant. The soldiers of bete armes fell thick and fast, and the umber of killed and wounded, considering the length of time the batile Insted, bas been scarcely ever equalled. Unly the heroic men who fell on the fatal field, had they Mfe and langunge, could tell us of the sanguinary scones: that were witnessed tn the Wilderness. but an examina Hon of the fleld immediately alter the couflict closed ro venied what @ deadly contest tt had been Alexander Haye was killed. He war shot ip the Bend by | fords for the » B musket ball while leding te cree’ Me wae a geh Want and intrepid sol).er and dearly beloved by 80 ae They bad often said (hey would (low bie t sonth, aed many of them di. He boty oe peed i oe ambulance apd carried from the Geld Leer i the evening Colonel Carrell, exemeniog & beets, wae wounded im the arm. tie cod but not dangerous, yet be rewend Ww —= were of eplenishing ammun! on, whieh Bas bee g raped y eUpE ow ‘ et 4 ance CoRTNERD, AAD He © Cee well, Dut every Doty felt inet 8 wae only thee m Yefore the coming storm. Ih 0 indi- CRtOOS Ore tas Se eoemyA was moving to cur lett Crows of Mott aad Word, sod thowe oMcere wore instructed © eorlews, | fe Reap aebarp took out epom be movements. It was (he Oyetent Ohet Ge ememy was making Cispositions for an eld: for when General Hancock rode up eet ged “Col | aeeel Gpem eur ie A brigade of Stevenson's division Onel,1 am sorry that you are wounded, whe wl pew 1% o@ Girney's right to endeavor to fii ap the take command of your briguie?’ he very -compty © oR 0) embeded there, Hacoock ordered that the ewered, “I'l command my brigude myer, er © 6 d ell BO prenned, Dut gave strict tojunctions The fight was carried on with continend PerleRetty G® | Het woke che right of Dae Lime sonia be vigorously Ube right and centre, when, abe vehok © Pk | etree’ net ccteeced 60 a te compect with Geveral Rarlow's divin, che te ® front, | ee lee Greens of Bureside which were moving Colonel Smith commanding, opened « Svteak om ube feker's sore, our eh entre, where enemy's right Hunk, win a yiow by +N oe * ot Werk were Myung, should be only Our left, of forcing the enemy to winckes ube Gre +-eoe8 © a8 © support Geveral The assault was pushed wilt churarte ote vee © @8 Ca k andor General Barlow; length, with the desired remit, fet soe ow Sof the excelent position troops cucounterod fresh forces of Ube formy and & | Chet Be hekd, ed dad wot wawe & go the location of heavy fizbt occurred, with tremendous . Sf 0 RO eolee Wore rendered ebeolutely sides. It was now growing dark, and the foe hue by the moremeets of We enemy, Woem Mnes gradually siackoned, tilt at length it eed ebook whe #28 cuutiounily dung up and eight o'clock. In this portion of the line the ght woe oe 5 pds is precuse oft our favor; for when the firing coamed we het ee ly oi Salat the’e siderable advantage, not only by the stremetoes «econ |» ° ane cone, Original position, but dy securing & poreinn of (he grow fire oe Mak ae habe w This was the anniversary of the battle of Wileanhorg fought just two years before, in which Hanerek Gret be Came distinguished as a general tn the army. At thie first gbt in the wilderness be added fre=t imurels ty thew be bas already won. ght on Friday. 42 CRNRRAL ABRAULR, During Thursday night the corps commanders bed « conference with General Meade, and, in cousequence, orders were issued to the efket that on the following morning ageveral advance should be made along the whole live, The attack was ordered to take piace o'clock precisely. The attack was to be strong, deter mined and continti®us, Accordingly General Hancock eent word to Gencrals Getty, Birney, Mott, (ibben and Barlow to attack ut thé appointed bour, while General ‘Wadsworth's division and some of Rornside’s troops were to join (hosg of the Second corps upoo the right. = 10 ‘this assault the troops under command of Ceneral Hanvotk wero formed with Cotouel Carroll's brigaie and General Hays’, brigade, commanded by Colonel on the right ofthe Urange Court House road, and Owen, and Ward's brigades on the let Getty’s division was in resorve, with Generals Eustis’ and Wheaton’s, and Colonel Grant’s brigades of the division, extending from right to left. Next camo General Mott's division, Colonel MeAllister’s brigado in front, and Colonel Brewster’s forming the seoond line, This constituted the right of Hancock's line, under command of Genorat Birney, the centro of Birney’s line being at the Junction of the roa oady mentioned. The left of Hancock's line was under com mand of General Gibbon. General Webb's brigido, of his own division, had the post of honor on his right, and General Barlow’s whole division—Colonels Smith, Brook, Frank and Milos commanding bis brigades—being aiso formod in two lines of battle, extended the whole of Han cock’s line of infantry to tho left, At the sme time a portion of our cavalry was operat Ing still further to the left and performed valuable ser uice in preventing the enemy geting in our rear by turning our le't flank. Opposed to Hancock's front were Ril’s and Longstreot’s corps of the rebel army—A, P. Mii being on, our right and Longstrect on tho left. Having given the disposition of the troops, it is time to speak of the essault, At five o'clock tho command was givon, and our troops In Birnoy’s front advanced on the right and left of the piank road. The line of battle was preceded by a heavy cloud of skirmishers, The assault ‘was suddon and vigorous. Tho enomy rotired slowly ard stubbornly before the deadly fre that was poured iuto is ranks. But the speed of the rebels Increased as onr forces eon. tinved to advance, It was soon discovered that in the midst of thie vaat wilderness the enamy had aonatrnetod a defensive ling of works, similar to those our troops had thrown up on the Brock road; for our victorious soldiers soon encountered a fresh line of the enemy, posted bebind those breastworks, When both belligerents met in this position the firo was terrific, and the slaughter was tre- mondous. Our troops immediately made a gallant charge, and, with exultant cheers which wont ringing through the Wilderness, they drove the enemy from this defen sive line and took possession of tho breastworks. Three rebel colors and several hundred prisoners were taken at this time. General Birney continued to advance to the right of Hancock's line, swinging it round on a pivot, of which the le’t was the centre, He pushed it forward a mile and a half in the advance. It was expeeted that troops of other corps still further to the right of Hancock’s front, which were to have joined in the attack, would bave opened their part of the ea gagement by this time, but General Birney accertained that the right of bis line was exporod to a flanking force of the enemy in consequence of a gap which existed ia tbat direction. The enemy threw in large masses of troops to endeavor to check this vigorous advance, whereupon General Webb's brigade was moved to the support of General Birney, and, in conjunction with Gen- Wadsworth’s division, succeeded in checking for a time the counter onslaught of the enemy. A DIVERSION ON TH.” LUFT. About this time information was received which con- vinced General Hancock of the position of the right of the rebel line, in consoquence of which a brignde of General Barlow's division was sont to take tho right of Long- street's corps in flank. PROGRESS OF THE RATTLE. For two hours and more the battle was of the most sanguinary character, Troops changed positions; brigades and regiments which had expended all their ammunition retired bebind the breastworks and refilled their cartridge Ddoxes from the wagons which wore brought up to the front, and troops which had formed the other lines were tent forward to continue the assault. At the same time General Meade recommended that, wrorover ft could be done, ammunition should be economized and the bayonet used instead. Fresh outbursta of musketry would occa- sionally indicate how tho enemy had withdrawn his shattered forces and formed now lines In front. At this timo all of Gibbon’s own brigndes had been sent to General Birney, and were placed on either side of the plank road for the support of our position on the right. For three hours tho battlo raged without ® moment's fotermission, and almost every foot of ground of that mile aud a half along which our troops advanced through the Wilderness was covered with the killed and wounded of both armie’, In some places, where the rebel troops would make aetand, the positions of the lines of battle wore distinctly marked by the lines of the killed and wounded, Gen, Hancock was very careful not to extend the loft of his lino, because bo beld a very strong post tion, and be was—as it afterwards turned out to be—vory wisely apprehensive that Longstreet might make an attempt on his lett; aod should ho have abandoned the left of this live in conjuvetion with the right, instead of swinging it roand oa ® pivot, as be bad done, he would have beon exposed toa flanking movement of the enemy; whereas the loft of his position, fig be had formed it then, was strongly defended by several Datterion of artillery. The grand centro of attraction w Hancock's line, Finding auch a fearful fre ip bis front, Goneral Meade sent bis staf officer to eay that troops from General Buruside’s command would be at bis ais posal if thoy should bo required; aod presently another officer announced that tho First division of Barnside’s corps, under command of General Stevenson, was close at band, on its way to report to General Hancock, Immo- diately aftor ite arrival it was massed at the Junction of the Brock and Orange Court House roads, ready to be sent to the support of either Birney or Gibbon. At the same time two other divi. sions of Burnside’s corps wore marching out on another road to Parker's store, to attack tho enemy on the right. Burnside was to develop the lines of those divisions to the left, tpe tendency of which would be to engage the attention of thessnowmy, apg tus rylieye aur jroope io Hancock's front, Col, Frank’s brigade, which had beéa sent out at seven o'clock and made a long detour towards the enomy’s right flank, had now met the enemy in force ‘and become seriously engaged. Hils attack was very spir- ited, and was met with great determination by theenomy. ‘The line of Col, Frank's brigade and the opposing forces of the enemy swayed to and fro, each alternately gaining temporary advantage, Meanwhile portions of Wade qworth's and Robinson's divisions, which had been fignt. Boe ster thy ght sommmenced Aye eqllog) General WALAlL We morning, bad retired ve Whe Intermeetion of the | Bad command a i che wreny, on ‘ . from ander Wim. He apyesr a and or as if bo were # .perin. tooling tate foe er thw " dat the point there won a grubd array of Gistinguisbed officers and a formetabie force of troop That was 4 month Potent ore, ae will Be meen DY mubequent de. velapments, About chine o'clock Geverai tire Purhed the altack onoe more apoa the right, and pre. SE0U'Y the whole hwo wes again engaged, The enemy bad ev don! . odveetace of Che bull to masa tronys on what per tioe of .. " present ® fearial ire wee orl Watoworth's front, The rebels ad bie d visiog on the right, and im or- dor to prevent (he succms Of this movement Runti trigte wa ) ll ap the vacwney which was mow dis. covered to ext near the angle between Wadeworth's right and Warren's lot foe Warren's troopa we at nearly right anglon with ihe right of Hancock's line; form but the force of tho enemy was #0 great, and their Attack so vigorous, (hat our troope @oald not drive them beck, and in the effort ( iaapite Bis men with superior valor, eved 1a the ‘ace of such iremondous fire. Wadsworth, the gallant old soldier, fell mortally wounded among bis mon, Geveral Getty was wounded Dy & shot through the shoulder Many othe: neb'e ott. cers fell 1 Lucdreds of evluers were bike) aud wounded at this ty DISTANT OF ERATIONS OF TRE CAVALRY Far off to our loft iinmense colamns of duct were acaa ascending to the clouds. Hancock wat manifestly ap prehensive of these peculiar rigns; for some of the Wr ments in bis Immediate (100s had indicated that Long street was morching to turn the left of Oi position, but just at thi# orion) period he received the joy'al sews from General Meade thet our cavalry wae moving to at. tack Longstreet on the fou, This seemed to lirta lond of cara off Hancork's mind, and proved to boas beneficent a sign as was the pillar of cloud which guided the Irae! ites im their march to the Promised Land. APPEARANCE OF THE BATTLE FIELD. AG if receiving additions! leepiratiog, Hancork ordered Birnoy to pad forward Mou's divieee tm the contre of the jing, and not to suspend the attack © Moment onless for imperative reasona, Tt will be re. membere! that during 6!) this time the fre in the front continued steady, our forces om the right slowly bot surely driving the enemy, who revisted every @ch of ground most tenasiousiy. The day was warm. aod the troops were somewhat afectea by the rays of the sroreh- tog sun, The ground being very dry, the marching of the troops had caused dust @ aree wherever chonge: in positions of troops were made, end the cinuds of dust mingled In the air with the smoke of the battle feld. The wounded were beleg carried tothe rear, the ambo lances were passing to and (ro, and the scone presented In those few narrow roads in the Wilderness i beyond desoriptioa. THE HEROIC PRAD, Among the killed and wounded were many of the best and bravest officers tm the service, wae had won renown io former battles, Their samen wild swell the mournful list of casualties, and their memories will be forever greeo in the hearts of & grateful people. ANOTHBR LULL Bofore eleven o'clock General Birney hed formed @ Junction with General Warren's left: 0 that eur commu- nication was complete along the line, About this time another jall of oearly balf am howe eocurred. General Hancock took advantage of thi# opportunity to bathe the wound he received at Gettysbarg. The wound is etiit open, and, although bot paiu’ul now, causes Bim couside- rable teconveuiencs, BANCOK ON THE rietD, It was magnificent to see the conduct of Hancock om the fleld. The amount of labor he performed was hereviess io its character. His quickness of perception in dh vining the signideance of movements of the enemy, hie characteristic promp'nese in giving orders, bie remark- able celerity in moving troops to threatened polnws, his extraordinary caution not to leave a strong position when invited to do so by the enemy, combined with bis in- tropid courage and fearless berowm in loading bis columng ‘to assault, all beautifully blended with modesty and grace, conepire to mark him as oue of the leading military spirits of the age, I bave seen him under varied and trying circumstances, bave heerd bim give bis orders om the battle field, have witnessed the effect of the inepira- ton of bis presence whem the troops were wavering, #0 that I speak from personal observation, and te!) but ball the truth when [say that he possesses « remargabie combination of those sterling apd peculiar qualities which fit him to be @ distinguished military leader, One of his most prom\neut characteristics is to claim nothing for himself and to reader honor to whom honor fa due. GENFRAL NIRNEY bes proved himself to be # careful and successful soldier. General Hancock must bave bad consideraple con8dencq tn him to entrust to bim the whole command of the righ of bis position, and General Birney proved himself equal to the tak Imposed apon him. His coolness ip the boug of danger, bis promptness im obeying orders, and his skid ja mancuvering bis forces have won the admiration @ evory one who has seen him on the field of battle. GENERAL GrMno™, who bad command of the left line, ls not only an expe rienced but a gallant officer. Wounded at Fredericks burg, wounded at Gettysburg, he is in the field again, giving to the nation the henetit of bis military edecation and experience. x GRNERAL BARLOW, a young and dashing officer, is now regarded a8 one of tho most useful of Hapeock’s generals, Although three yeare ago ho enlisted a @ pri he ts now in command of @ division, GENFRAL MOTT, commanding the other division, Is @ gallant and expe* rienced officer. He was placed ja command of a division ooly the day before the march, and @anaot be held ree, pocsibie if bis troops were aot #0 bighiy disciplined ap other divisions In the cor IMPORTANCE oF TUR JUNCTION, I bave spoken of the Intersection of the Brock aed Orange Court House roads, This was @ potot of immense importance. It was the great contre of jaterest all day— so much so that Hancock scarcely left the point, except to dash along his lines and return again as speedily ae possible, It wae in consequence of the grada- ally tocreasing extent of bis command and the oper.tinne of the enemy in bis front that be so judiciously entrusted Birney with the command of the right of bie tine and Gibbon with the left. ‘The junction of thoes rézts feoeive such great im- portance from the (ect, that should (he enemy brea through and seize that point, our centre would be pierced, our limited means for the movemeat of troops would Dy Gut off, and the most disastrous consequences would ensue. ‘The janetion of thove roads seemed to be ae Important ‘& point in this battle of the Wilderness as the janctho@ Of the fouds at Quatre Bras was in the datile of Water< loo. i UNPORTONATR DISASTER, About eleven o'clock Colonel Frant’s brigade, wbiclt CONTINUED ON EIGHTH PAGE > xX