The New York Herald Newspaper, June 20, 1864, Page 1

a THE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 10139, PETERSBURG: he Fight of Wednes- day Near Malvern Hill. he Battles of Thursday, Fri- day and Saturday at Petersburg. he Desperate Conflict in the Rebel Lines. Hand to Hand Struggle Over the Rebel Breastworks. he Enemy Driven from Their Intrenchments, TS ert . ¢ Burnside’s Brilliant Achieve- ment of Friday nother Assault Upon the Immediate Pefences of the City on Saturday. ba nu meral Beauregard Rein- forced from General Lee. lous Rebel Reasons fer Grant’s Change ef Base. What Lee Says of the Move- ment, . Bey Rey THE OFFICIAL DESPATCH. ae tary Stanton’s Despatch to General Dix. Wan Darantearr, Wasuunarom, June 19—0:46 P. u} Major General Dix:— Pais evening a despatch from City Point, dated at nine ‘this morning, reached the Department. It reports our forces advanced yesterday to within about a 1 front of Petersburg, where they found the enemy py ing @ new line of intrenohments, which, after suc- ve assaults, we failed to carry, but hold and bave strenched our advanced positions. From the forces of the enemy within the enemy's new pe it is inferred that Beauregard bas beon reinforced Lee’s army. ‘Ne report bas beon received by the Department con. ing the casualties of our army in its operations since saing the James river, except the death of Major Mor- , mentioned yesterday. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. THE HERALD DESPATCHES. OPERATIONS OF THE SECOND CORPS. Mr, Finley Anderson's Despatch. Barrie Fre, Near Parerssvrc, Faipay, June 17—11 P. M. ‘The attack on the enemy by Hancock’s corpa last even- ‘was intended to be supported by « grand assaulting jumm of part of Burnside’s corpe; but just as his jume was moving out, near midnight, the enemy made demonstration on bis lines, whereupon be suspended aspeult ‘until quiet should be restored, and when ho Te Te castle ty cen Sueess'tihe'ia aay up prise, That Burnside did this morning in a handsome manner, gaining a portion of the fortifications not pre- viously carried by us, and capturing four guns and somo @ve hundred prisoners, om ONS Jeu tenon EVENINGS OPERA- Im this operation he was efficiently assisted by a por- sion of Bariow’s division of the Second corps. Hancook’s advance last evening was very successful on the right, where Birney gained the crest, in front of part of his @lvision; but Barlow was not quite so successful on the ters; for, although he took the rifle pits occupied by the enemy's ckirmishers, the main line of fortifications wed $00 strong for bis advance brigade—so that, maiie tn with the kiliéa 424 wounded the loss of « few hundred prisoners, it can be dor;Sotly Said that the advantage which we gained was not ao grédy as Was at Reet supped When Barlow's division was marching <= ccinane over the open plain, and was forming in the "mm. vomed to @ very Revere enfilading fire cof albert * Thi fire increased as the m the ‘enemy's artillery. - 9 als froope moved orward in line of battle to the agsauit. . OUR OBILCT—WHAT WAS DONE, ‘Tho object to be attained was to break the rebel line, nd to take other redoubis and works in the chain of for. Piflcations, #0 that all the works, save those on the flank, would then bo im our hands, Immediately after the qmemy’s artillery opened on Barlow's division on the Jef our artillery along the breagtworks coeumenced wi nie DE elias pode, afta U 05 Tok od tion, 80 98 vance of our skirmiah and supporting lings, Then Bir. poy’ line, whioh was strengthened by detachments from @iddon’s division and Smith's corps, gradually advanced. Bo soon drove away the enemy’s skirmishers and took Whe crest they oocupied, The opposing lines of battle bad @ sharp contest for atime, but the enemy was found to De strongly intrenched in en inner Iine. This inner line qwas pot acordom of continuous fortifications, but field (works thrown up in consequence of the loss of the more 1) works, already in our possession, The loft of Birney’s line being considerably exposed, Gen. Barlow was directed to temporarily close to the right, until other troops should be brought up to hoki the gap. SORNGIDR’S CO-OPBRATION—DIRECTION OF THE STRCGGLE Js the meantime a brigade of Burnsido’s waa sent , and was subsequently put in position at point. @eceral Barlow's division advanced in splendid style gander that severe artillery fire, aaa soon General Miles’ brigade was engaged with the advanced forces of the quvemy. Goveral Miles drove them from the rifle pite, (end posbed on towards the stronger works, The remain @er of the division was also immediately engaged, and « considerably from the severe opposing from both small arms and artilery, Burn- pide comrporated with Barlow in the attack, The fight wen contiongg with vigor from six till nine g’oleck, afvor Which the firine aradually slagkened, Bar. a “ low was informed that Burnside would furnish all the troops he wanted on the left, and that), if necessary, an assaulting cofimn of five thousand soon be or- ganized. Barlow believed that with assistance of such an assaulitog colamn the works could be carried thas pight. Accordingly Burnside was ordered to pre- pare bis troops for an assault, in cofimn, to be made as s00n as they were well in band, But.the enemy opening om Burnside compelled him to defer his intended attack, which, however, was successfully made just at the break of day this morning. OUR SKIRMISHERS CAPECRED. Last evening the whole skirmish line in front of a part of Barlow’s position, and consisting of detachments frem the Seventh New Yori heavy artillery regiment, which is new acting as infantry, were capturedtogether with ir colors, They were at the time-in the rebel works to which the skirmish line advanced, Barlow lost seve- ral hundred men prisoners, BURNSIDE RECAPTURES THE LOST COLORS, ‘The two flags taken by the enemy last night were re- taken by Genera! Buruside in his assault this morning, PRIDAY’S OPERATIONS. ‘The Secon ‘ps hag not been heavily engaged to- day. The lines of the command were strengthened and the troops placed eo as to be availatile at every point. ‘The position occupied by the enemy ig front of Birney was found to be Sot strong that it was not deemed advisable to push him forward. Occasional artillery and picket firing, bowever, continued m bis front throughout the day. General Gibbon’s division, on the right of Birney’s, was also Kept in its éstablished line, But Barlow, on the left, was ordered forward to attack in conjunction with General Burnside, and co operated with him efficiently. His front line, consist- ing of the First brigade, commanded by Genoral Miles, and the Third, by ‘Colonel Mc! | was pusbed for. ward on Burnsido’s right to ut the same posi tion that it occupied in the front? last night before it was withdrawn. With-the exception of the sup- port given to Burnside by a part of Barlow’s division the Second carps took little active part in the operations throughout the day. - ‘THR ENEMY FEELING OUR POSITION—PROSPEOTS, About nine o'clock thisgevening the enemy came out in considerable foree in front of Birney’s line, and ina short but sharp attatk felt the strength of bis position. Birney drove th® robels‘back, and now finally holds his Ines, which are very strong. Mancuvres on both sides would indicate that a general engagement is very im- minent. GENFRAL HANCOCK is still suffering so severely from the condition of his old Gettysburg wound that to-day he has been unable to sit in the saddle, and therefore hasgnot been in a position to personally supperintend the operations in the field. OPERATIONS OF THE NINTH CORPS. . June 17—a. M. THR MARCH TO FRTERSBURG, ‘The march to Betersburg by our corps was accom. Mr. J. C. Fiezpatrick’s Despatch. ‘Ninty Aruy Corrs, Near Pererspenc, Va. . Piished in a very brief space of time. We left the vicia- ity of Charles City Court House on the evening of the 15th, crossing the James river, on the pontoon bridge, at Wilson’s Landing, and thence proceeded, by a forced night march, to thie point, which we reached yesterday afternoon, The distance we came is some twenty-six miles, wich was made in eighteen hours. THE FIGHTING. No respite, however, was granted our wearied column. ‘The march terminated in a battle, which lasted several hours. POTTER'S DIVIB:ON had the lead of the corps, and on arrivivg here went im- mediately into position, forming on the left of Barlow’s division of the Second corps. During the day the troops had been urged forward at the top of their speed. During the night they bad been marched with a halt of only two hours, and now when their limbs ached with fatigue, and their eyelids were heavy with sleep, they were brought face to face with the enemy. ‘THB NIXTE CORPS, though of a veteran nucleus in its organization, 1s com- posed mainly of new troops, upon whom the operations of the past few days have reflected the highest credit. Their powers of endurance have certainly mavifested themeeives, The brunt of the fighting in our corps yesterday was borne by Potter's division, but as the other divisions were in position, and under fire, it would be unjust not to give them mention in the glorious eecord of the battles before Petersburg. GENERAL WILLCOR’S DIVISION was in support of General Barlow, and was in turn sup- ported by the First division, General Lediie. ‘In sup- port’? and ‘in reserve” are terms which to some may Imply positions of safety. On the contrary, supporting column! Oftentimes subjected to a most severe fire, as, Owing to the wild and random nature of volley firing and the overshooting of artillery, the line receives th missiles intended for their comrades In advance. An old soldier will tell you that nothing is more trying to the nerves an@ courage than to remain inactive under fire. TOPOGRAPHICAL. ‘The vicinity of the fighting is an open and rolling space of ground, beyond which there is a belt of timber, on the edge of the city. From the higher points of land the steeples abd housetops of Petersburg are in sight, CHARGE OF GRIFFIN'S BRIGADE. - While the main attack was made by the Second corps, General Potter, after the disposition of our troops as above mentioned, pushed forward the Second brigade, under Colonel Griffin, supported by the First, under Cole- nel Curtin, After some slight skirmishing, and simul- taneously with the charge of Barlow, Griffin dashed across the open space and encountered the enemy, who advanced from their works, determined to meet him line of battle. A volley, however, drove them back, aad by # gallant obarge, Griffin's men carried first the enemy's kine of rifle pite. A desperate musketry fight now ensued, which was succeeded toward nightfall by another charge of Griffln’s brigade, who car- ried the first line of the enemy’s breastworks, which, in their character, were of formidable construction, The re- suit was a victory of a most gratifying nature. The firing continued at intervals throughout the night. In this posi ‘ion were affairs as day dawned this morning. FRIDAY MORNING—OTHER CHARGES AND WORKS CARRIED. About four o'clock the division of General Potter, sup- ported by that of General Ledlie, moved furtner to the 18't, whero the rebels still kept possession of the first line of works. Here, by a gallant and desperate cbarge, the works wore carried, and we are now in complete possos- sion of their frat line. A RADEL NRIGADE AND SEVERAL GUNS CAPTURED. One brigade Of rebels, numbering some four hundred men, captured by Genera: POU, ‘who, in addition, cap- sured nine pieces of artiliery. OUR Lose will amount to about five hundred killed and wounded. OANNORADING, There has boen souid béavy dinnonading again th forenoon, but it is quiet agi write, We éxpect work before nighWall. Perhaps June 17 will be the ani vereary of another front battle. Toe R Conrs, Brrone Petersscra, Va ‘Nowra ARMy y ‘june 11-F-M. ‘THR BATTLE OF FRIDAY. The day bas clored upon another terrific conflict. Our corps has been engaged once more since morning, has victory crowned our efforts. The enemy have been driven from all their outer works, and their poraession of the city now depends upon & last and single line of defence, ‘THE COst_OF THR VICTORY. Tho victory has been # contly one tous. Nearly fifteen hundred of our gallant boys now lie motionless in death , ‘or writhing in the agony of their wounds. THR FIGHT OF THR MORNING. So fast do onr engagements succeed each othor that’ it would require the hands of Briareus to keep pace in cording the details, Tsent you this morning a brief and hastily written account of tho gallant fight of Potter's division, In the hurry of proparing my last letter, Iwas unable to speak as fully as I desired of the achieve ment, and the doscription of another battle now crowds upon my attention. Tho chargo of last might by the Second corps, and the divi. sion of General Potter, of our corps, resulted fn driving the enemy from a portion only of thoir firat line of breastworks. The Second and Ninth corps, the advance of the Army of the Potomac, were the only col- umns in position to attack, The remaining corps wore stl behind on the road: consequently the breadth of our NEW YORK, MOND#Y, JUNE 20, 18964. line for attack was not very extended, and the assault had to be conducted In detail. The operations of yester- day were confined to the piercing of the enemy’s centre, and the object was attained; but the enemy throughout the night obstinately held on to a salient on their extreme right, which, provided as it was with artillery, excess- ively eomoyed our left, and almost rendered futile the victory of the afternoon. GENERAL POTTER'S MIDNIGHT MARCH, CHARGE, ASSAULT ANI CAPTURE—GUNS AND PRISONERS TAKEN. Under cover of the darkness, however, General Potter marched his division to a point from which he could as- sail it, and at daylight ordered a charge. Griffin’s brigade holding the advance, supported by Colonel Curtin, took the rebel works by @ most gallant though desperate charge, and with it about four hundred prisoners, Seve- ral pieces of artillery fell into our hands—the number I do not positively know—as in the confusion of the reports it is impossibje to learn the truth, I stated in my de- spatoh of morning that General Potter bad captured nine guns; but from subsequest reports I am inclined to Delieve that the number is exaggerated. Six or seven ‘will embrace the extent of our trophies in the way of captured artillery. The colors of the Forty-fourth Louisiana fell into our hands, and fully attest the nature of the struggle. FIGHT OF THE AFTERNOON. During the remainder of the forenoon and the early portion of the afternoon the infantry remained quiet. Of course the skirmish lines on both sides poppod away as usual. The artillery, however, kept up a dosultory oannonade throughout the day. Late in the afternoon our corps was ordered to advance, with the intention of carrying the next line of the rebel defences. Potter’s division, exhausted by its march and fight of yesterday, and its early work of this morning, which latter nec sitated buta few hours of.sleep during the night, w: held in reserve, The other divisions had been fully re freshed by a night’s rest, and were now ready for the work, b) ‘WIL0OX’S DIVISION ‘was assigned tbe lead, and took position with the brigade. of General Hartranft in the advance. Colonel Christ, with the Second brigade, came in the rear as a support. Chriet’s brigade in the meantime had taken position in Yeserve, A series of lunettes anda chain of rifle pits were occupied ®The pits had been hastily constructed, and were ieojptea; but the boys went to work with their bayonets and tin plates, in lieu of spades, and soon con- nected the pits into a continuous and complete line. CHARGE OF LEDLIE’S DIVISION. As if to redeem the unfortunate character of the pre- liminary operations of the corps, the division of General Ledlie now advanced, and fought with the most gratify- ipg success, The command was disposed with a front live of battle under command of Colonel Gould, the,cen- tre of which was held by the First brigade. The regi- ments of the Second brigade, under Colonel ,Pierce, were put in positioggpon either flank, while the brigade of Colonel Marsha!l constituted the second line. The First brigade charged in the most dashing manuer directly up to the rebel breastworks, and gained the inside of them. The Second brigade was more dilatory in @wming up, owing to the longer distance which it was necessary to traverse, and for a time it seemed doubtful whether the victory was to be a permanent one ‘The first brigade inside the rebel works held only a por- tion of the line, The enemy were still in possession on both sides of them, and thore who had been driven out were in advanco, firing from snother line of rifle pits. A terrible cross fire from both tanks andadirect fire from the front harassed the brigade, who held cn to their “prize with a tenacity which secured the ultimate victori- oug result, The brigades of Pierce and Maréhall came to the rescue, however, and drove the rebels from the flanks. It was & most terrific encounter. The rebels fully comprehended the necessity of maintaining their gretnd, and the fight was a band to hand one ecross the breastworks, in which muskets were crossed and the combatants bayonetted on either side. It was a real struggle, iv which the men came face to face, hand to band, and in which the result was determined by persistent courage. Yankee steel triumphed, and the rebels fell back once more, leaving us in possession of the works and of ‘their wounded, and several bundred pris- overs. The diteh inside was filled with thelr wounded, whose bayonet wounds gave ample evidence of the t Tiflc struggle. COLONEL MARSHALL was wounded during the engagement. struck a rock near by, flattened itself, and, glancing off, struck him in the thigh, joflicting a severe contusion, GRYERAL LEDUE REINFORCED, Hartraofi’s brigade, in the moantime, after falling back from the right, reformed in rear of Colonel Cb: 's brig- ade, and took position as support; while Colonel Christ reinforced the line of Geveral Ledlie wherever supports were needed, COLONEL CBRIST—IiS COURAGE AND HIS WOUND. Icannot help paying a passing compliment to the gal- 'y and coolness of Colonel! Christ, who bandied his in the most admirable manuer. His quick eye ured the battlefield, and where the enemy seemed the most determined, and where our men needed assistance, be quickly despatched his regiments. He amply re- deemed the fortunes of the Third division, and it ts to be regretted that bis success was purchased at the price of a painfal wound, A bullet struck him in the side of the bead, just bebind the left ear, and traversed about three inches of bis skull. He is perfectly conscious and com posed, despite the pature of the injury, aud the surgeons are inclined to believe that the brain is unharmed. THE FIGHT ON FRIDAY. It is a singular coincidence that General Buroside’s batties have been most frequently fought on Friday. To. day adds another to the list. June 17 is rendered doubly historic, OUR ARTILLERY. Let me not pass over the artillerists, who 80 nobly did their share of to.day’s work, I will not enumerate all the Datteries engaged. Suffice it to say all did their duty. Twenty-pounders and ton-pounders, steel and brass, Parrotts and howitzers, ‘The artillery part of the fight was as terrific as any of the war. It was one incessant roar of discharges and continnous scream of missiles, FOUGHT LIKE DEVILS. The combatants fought like devils. It seemed as if they had Jost ali attributes of humanity, and sought each others destruction hike fieads incarnate. The war bas not afforded an instance of more desperate fighting. OUR ANTAGONISTE. From the reports of prisoners, we learn that the divis- fons of Generals Ransom and Bushrod Jobngos consti. tuted a portion of the force opposed to us, The Thirty- fifth North Carolina regiment was literally cut to pleces— 80 prisoners from it state—also a Tennessee regiment whose number has escaped my memory, DEATH OF MAJOR MORTON, Major Morton, engincer officer on General Burnsido’s Staff, was killed carly in the action. He was placing a Drighde {0 position when he received the fatal yuna, ‘The bullet éntored his breast above the boart and came out 06 tho right of the spine, causing death almog} ja- stantly. A man more devoted in bis patriotism or more euergotio in the discharge of his duties does not exist in the army. Major James St. Clair Morton was born in the yoar 1820, in tho city of Philadelphia, and educated at West Point, where he graduated in 1861, second in a class numbering forty-two members, His first military duty was performed in Charlestn, 8 ©., im 1861-52, as assistant engineor in the completion of the harbor forti- floations, In 1860 Major Morton was selected by tho Navy Department to make an exploration of the Chiriqui ‘ country, South America, to test the practicability of an inter-oceanic railroad route across the Isthmus at a point midway between the present Panama and Nicaragua routes. On his return to Wasbington he was placed iu charge of the entire work of the Washington aqueduct.’ In 1861 he was sent to the Guif of Mexioo for the pur; pose of putting the fortifications of the Dry Tortugas in a state of defence, In May, 1862, he reported for duty to Genoral Halléck, and was assigned as Chief Engineor of the Army of the Uhio, under General Buell, When General Buell’s troops marched to Kentucky, he was or. dered to remain at Nashville, where, in conjunction with Generals Negloy and Palmer, he superintended the de- fences of the city, When the Army of the Cumberland was given to tho charge of General Rosecrans he was placed in command of the Pioneer brigade, At the battio of Stone river, and on subsequent occasions, proved that he was as brave as bo was skiliful, Major Morton was made a first Houterfant in July 1, 1856, and on the 6th of August, 1861, was promoted to oaptal He was nominated for a brigadier general of volunteers, to date from November 20, 1802, and was chief engineer A Minie bullet | to General Rosecrans until October 10,1863. Be wa | astonishment. Generci Grant, then mustered out as a geveral and ordered to report to General Burnside as chief engiueer of the Ninth corps, with the rank of major, He has aoted gallantly during the whole of the present campaign, and has given his life for bis country while bnta young man. MISCRLLANBOUS INCIDENTS, The Fifty-ninth Massachosetts regiment captured one stand of rebel colors. Captain Bean, of the same regiment, was wounded near the shoulder, and on being informed by the surgeons that it was necessary to amputate his arm, exclaimed, ‘All right then; I’! seek an appointment on Pierce’s staff.” Colonel Pierce, commanding Second brigade, has only one arm; the other he made a present of to the rebels at Malvern Hill, This explains the poiot | of the remark, The incident affords a case of humorous indifference under circumstances of the most painful seriousness. Nuva Corrs, June 18-6 A. M, MUSKETRY FIRING ON BASURDAY. There was some sharp musketry firing during the night, There was cannonading about daylight this mern- ing, but it is all quiet as I write, THE EIGHTEENTH OORPS. Mr, J. A. Brady’s Despatch. Huapquanrsns, Eicureevm ArMy Corrs, IN 1H Fistp, June 16, 1864, 12 MARCH FOR PETERSBURG, At ove o’ciock on the morning of the 15th the eclumn of Major General Smith—only arrived at Bermada on the previous pight—set out for Petersburg. Kautz’ cavairy division took the lead, and before daylight the entire cemmand bad crossed the pontoon bridge across the Appotomattox, above Point of Rocks, and was in full march for the rebel city, Kautz, pushing rapidly abead, drove the rebel picket# before him until he arrived at their first line, when he turned to the left and moved to the fortifications on the othor side of the city. GENERAL SxITH’S TROOPS. General Smith had under his command two divisions of his own corps and Hink’s division of negroes, besides the cavalry division of Kautz, Following after the cav- alry, the negroes arrived second on the battle fleld, and were soon bofore the first line of rebel works, along the front of which the cavalry had passed some time before. THR NEGROES. = General Hinks formed his command in live of battle, and advanced upon the rebels, with Duncan commanding bis right and Holman bis lett, The result of this charge was waited for with great anxioty. Tho majority of the whites expected that the colored troops would rum but the sable forces astonished everybody by their achieve- ments. With a wild yell, that must certainly have strock terrot futo the hoarts of their foes, the Twenty- second and Ffth United States colored regiments, eom- manded by Colonels Kidder and Connor, charged under a hot fire of musketry and artillery over the rebel ditch and et, and drove the enemy before them, capturing a large brass field piece, aud taking entire possession of their works. THE VINST REBEL LIND was something entirely unexpected, as they bad nothing of the kind put up at this place when Gillmore made his unsuccessful advance a few days since. They bad evident!y not yet completed the works here. An un- finished abatis, composed of onty sixteen sharpened trees, was ‘ound by the rebels of not the least service. THR NEGROES IN THR WORKS, When tho negroes found themselves within the works of the enemy no words could paint their delight. Numbers of them kissed the gun they had captured with extrava- gant satisfaction, and a feverish anxiety was manifosted to get ahead and charge some more of the rebel works. A nomber of the colored troops were wounded and afew killed in tbe first char, A large crowd congregated, with looks of unutterable admiration, about Sergeant | Richardson and Corporal Wobey, of the Twenty-secomd United States colored regiment, who bad carried the colors of their regiment and been the first men in the works, THR REMEL FORCE. The rebel force had been believed to be merely Peters- burg militia, and but little doubt bad been entertained of our being able to enter Petersburg with the same case a8 Gillmoro could bave done it on the last occasion. His attempt we found, however, had prepared tho enemy, and additional works and additional men were found in position between us and the city coveted BIOOKS_ ADV ANCES. Immediately after the negroes had got into position, and were waiting orders to charge the work they afterwards carried, Brooks’ division began to make its appearance, and in @ very short interval of time was in position ou their right, and moving forward to flank the evemy to turn bis Jeft, while Hinks changed his front. Unexpectedly to everybody, however, the darkies suc cessfully carried the rebel position before Brooks’ vete- rang could interfere, and they were in consequence not engaged until the grand fight in the evening. They lost many slightly wounded through the day, from the fenemy’s bullets and from heavy artillery firing, | which they had to sustain while getting iuto position. It would require more thana heavy shell- ing, however, to drive back Brooks, aud the gallant sol- dier held his position, and carried out General Smith’s orders throughout the day with his usual systematic coolness. ‘ MARTINDALE’S DIVIBION, which bad to take another road after crossing the pon- toon, and thug compelied to make a circuitous march along the winding Appotomatox, was not on the enemy's front until near midday, ‘TOR LINE FORMED. General Smith gradually formed his line of batile along the whole rebel front, and about noon the rapid discharges of Kautz’s howitzers, and the far off cheering and imperceptible discharges of nis carbines, as the cayalry charged on feot, showed that this splendid and successful officer was malsing desperate efforts to carry the massive works on bis front. All through the afternoon Brooks, on the centre, and Martindale and Hinks on bis flanks, were skirmishing with the enemy ; but owing to the formidable character of the rebel works, and the dificult nature of the ground, it was only with the utmogt difficulty that the troops could be properly disposed for charging effect ively, ‘THE OUTER WORKS TAKEN. A simultaneous advance of the three infantry divisions, after a desperate fight, carried the enemy's outer line, and we succeeded in getting a good position on which to mass our artillery 80 a8 to operate on their main works, which were discovered to be strong oarthw orks, flanked hore and there by massive oartn forte, Beauregard bas evidently not forgotten bis engineering skill, and every position was admirably selected, THR ARTILLERY COMMANDER, The artillery was under the direction of Captain Follet, chief of that arm in this corps, and was composed of —— pieces, some of which were magnificent rifled guns, Thompson’s, James’ and Belge’s batteries were Boon iz position on high grownd, immediately in front of Brooks, between the City,Point and Jordan roads, and commenced a succession of artillery volleys that drowned overy other sound, and completely sitenced the rebel guns. Their discharges filled the air with smoke aud dust, that ob- soured all view. THE GRAND CHARGR. Night was rapidly approaching when the charge was finally ordered by General Smith. At half-past five P. M, Brooke advanced on the centre with the Thirteenth New Hampsbire, Eighth Connecticut, Ninety-seoond and Une Hundred and Eighteenth New York, of Burnbam’s brigade, on bis frent, When they approached the rebel works they for the first time realized their formidable character, GENERAL HORNTIAM, howavéF, dauntlessty pushed on, and the event justified , fils action, His brigade rushed through the ditches and moats and clambered the high walls with aloud cheer, and the demoralized rebels fled before him. In five min utes be had carried their works and captured six guns, a battle flag and two hundred and forty prisoners, GRNERAT, MARTINDALN’S ACTION, Martindale, on the right, swept over the open country, with Stannard leading, and, carrying the rebel position, captured throe guns and a nwmber of prisoners CRNERAR MINKS, Hinke charged siroultancously with his wegroos, and carrying three Iines of intrenchments, drove the enomy before bim like sheep, and planted his colors op their fortifications. A great success had been accompllahed, GENERAL SMtrTH, by a masterly series of mancuvres and desperate fight- Jog bad captured @ position that we now examine with PRICE THREE CENTS. viewing the works to-day, expressed himself greatly astonished. After the line had been carried the Gene- ral rode along the front of bis victorious soldiers, and was greeted with loud and continued cheers. This success, when it is considered with what little loss it was accomplished, and when the enormous strength ‘and importance of the rebel works are properly viewed, ig undoubtedly one of the greatest triumphs of the war. Strange to say, with all his rare fighting qualities, “Baldy Smith’s’’ first consideration has always been the lives of his soldiers; and the most desperate enterprises re accomplished under bis command with a most dispro- Portionately small loss on our side. ‘THE EXEMY'S GHELLING was miserably inaccurate, the shells falling wide of thelr mark, and only on rare occasions inflicting damage. OPERATIONS OF THE CAVALRY. Mr. Fr is C. Leng’s Despatch. Heapquarrers, Finst Buaaps, Tmap Divison, Cavatry Corrs, Ngan St. Semary’s Cavnce, Va., June 16—A. M. GUNPRAL WILSON'S CAVALRY. ‘The Third division is pgain busy with the enemy, but this time it covers the rear of our advancing army, hold- ing the rebels in check till our army and trains can be transported either up or across the Jamesriver. iar PuzzsEp. ‘That Lee was puzzled to account for the late movement: Grant has executed is obvious to every one, Instead of ‘wasting his strength at Beroruda Hundred, as the proba- Die place Grant was aiming at, he still adhered to the idea that we were again intending to give him battle in the swamps of the Chickahominy, and in the forests lying to the westward towards White Oak bridge, Acting under this very reasonable impression, he formed his line in advantageous positions in the almost impassable morasses, and in the heavy timber fn that section, with bis left resting, it is sup- posed, in the neighborhood of Baltimore Cross Roads, and his right extending to Girl’s Neck, on the James, opposite the Point of Rocks. 4 RRCONNOISSANOB IN FORCE. At daybreak yesterday morning, the 15th tnst., Colonel Chapman, in command of the Second brigade, went out to reconnotter the enemy’s line towards Malvern Hill, while Colonel McIntosh, of the Third Pennsylvania, command- fog the First brigade, marched « column in the direction of White Oak Swamp for the game purpose. The First brigade passed &t. Semary’s church, following the road to the swamp above alluded to, the Fighteenth Pennsylvania cavalry, under Colonel Bryan, being in the advance, The enemy ‘was encountered some distance this side of the swamp, and ® brisk fight ensued between our men and bis sharp- shooters, who, hidden entirely from view, poured a deadly fire into the Eighteenth Pennsylvania, killing and wounding several almost at their firet discharge, Not deeming it prudent to hold the position against so strong a line of the enemy’s riflemen, Colonel Bryan fell back in excellent order for about balf a mile, and took a bet- ter position. A section of artillery and a force of cav- airy coming to his support, the rebels were held until e late hour in the . afternoon, when the fora fe back to St. Semary’s church, which had bee: occupied as atemporary field hospital during the skir. mish, Aiter the wounded had been removed to the reat the church was held as @ picket station for the night, the Firat Connecticut cavalry, under the command of Major George 0. Marcy, belug stationed at this church, Chas. H. Munton, Company C, of the First Copmecticut cavalry regiment, killed, and James Hetty, of Company L, was captured. Wo append the casualties in the Eigh- teeuth Pennsylvania :— CASUALTIRG- IN THR EIGRTRENTE PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, Sergeant Jounrmith. M, Morgan Gooelly, I, left hand. James A. Jackson, B, shoulder, ‘Thomas Perrin, F, both legs. Jacob Beliar FE, missin, F. Gordon, M, FA. joe, B, missing. David Sildey, I, missing. Je, 1, left foot. F Culp, M, missing. D, W. Howard, D, killed, Jacob Jessup, D, Mortally wounded, jartin Sherwood, D, shoulder, wi Jones), missing. Ferdinand Vankamff, L., severely wounded. Sergeant Thomas A. Fitzpatrick, L, arm, wm F. Ealy, L, wounded, Thomas Miller, C, wounded. wounded. Alexan mi E. McCann, L, head. Jas. P. Douneily, L, left log. Lieut 8, McCormick, killed, Capt. 8. H. Tresouthwick, left leg, severely, CABUALTINS IN OTTER REGIMANTE. Theo, J. Bachelder, D, 1st Massachusetts, right foot. Fred. Abel, 13, 8th New York, head, Cerp. Hyland Thomas, 6th New York, knee. Orlando Cole, Sth New York, head, Arthur Biddle, £, 2d Ohio, hip. Corp. David T. Osborne, G, 2d Ohio, anicle, Orlando Moore, C, 5th New York, thigh, Martin Ryle, ©, Sth New York, foot, Wesly Richard, C, Sth New York, right arm, Jno, M. Black, D, Sth Pennsylvania, arm, Joseph Deturiler, ©, 3d New Jersey. contusion, Clark Weench, B, 5th New York, head, Theo. Vilanore, K, Sth New Yosk, bend, Frank Santebra, Sth New York, hand OPPRATIONS OF THE SECOND BRIGADE, The Second brigade advanced towards Malvern Hill in two columns, the right going by T-hilitps’ house and the left following the Turkey creek road at Malvern Hill. The coiumns connected, and with (he assistance ef @ guoboat that co operated with them they succeeded in ousting.» considerable force of the enemy from the hill. Two regi- ments dismounted and deploged as skirmishers, and ultimately took a position om the hill, and dis covere! that the corps of A. P. Hill and Pickett were in their immedi froat. A perfect furor of excitement wos raised im the rebel camps when Chapman's brigade appeared at Malvern Hille Immense clouds of dust suddenly eommenced:rais. ing in every direction, showing plainly that heavy bodies of troops had been put in motion, Malvern Hill was held until a large force of rebels came up, whon our cavalry fell back as far as Turkey creek, which place they stil ocoupy. I regret (hat I have been unable to ascertain the casualties in this brigade and the details of the reconnois- ance; but, belog with the other columo, at White Oak Swauyp, it is impossible to do so at prevent, This division of cavairy now pickets from the vicinity of Long bridge, on the Chickshominy, to Harrison's Landing, on the James, covering the entire rear of the Army of the Poto- mac. ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS, Battery K, of tho First United States artillery, aocom- panied the First brigade, and rendered important ser- vice in front of White Oak Swamp. When the rebels left their rife pits and advanced upon the Eighteouth Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Mayoadier, who commanded thie battery, opened on them with cannister, aud soon drove them back into their intrenehments with consider. able confusion, The enemy appeared to be in force, and sour 1osses would have been extensive had it not been for the skillful manner in which Colonel McIntosh bandied bis men, taking much paing to keep them from the enemy's view, THE VERY LATEST, Mr. A, Davidson’s Despatch. City Point, Jane 18—9 A. M. ASPORTS FROM PETERSBURG. ‘There was heavy firing lato last night in the direction of Petersburg, no definite and reliable account of which has yet been reesived here. Various rumors are afloat, ‘one that Grant was bombarding Petersburg, another that a corps of Leo's army had attacked Batler, GENERAL RUTLER ACTIVELY AT WORK, It is said that yesterday morning & portion of Butler's command advanced to the railroad, and destroyed four or fiyo miles of track, It 1s also reported that he drove the enemy, captered 1 pieces of artillery and some bun- dod prisoners T have just come from Bermuda Hundred, and can learn nothing reliable H.0" THE MAIL NOAT FIRED UPON, ‘The mail boat was fired into last night above Wilcox’s landing. A euoboat soon cleared the rebels out, THE CASUALTIES. Jane 16 and 17. Cone Oe, Lieut, Gol. C. K. Pier, 3! ‘teconsin, left ankle. W. T. Kinshaw, 37th Wisconsin, both lega, Capt. N. Truckey, B, 274 Michigan, right log. Lieut. E. C. Jones, B, 100th New York, alder, Licut. J. Shotwell, 66th Ohio, left side. Capt. A. Taylor. A, 24th New York cavalry, foot. Lieut. J. F. Curran, Adjt, 60th Oto, right (fearm, Lieut. J’ R. Gravaah, Ist Michigan, lott arm, Capt. G, H. Murdock, I, 1st Michigan, right side of head, Lieut. N, W. Chandler, 100th New York, left leg. Capt. L. C. Phines, 1st Michigan, since dead. Cape. Jno. Green, 37th Wisconsin, bead aud body. Capt. ,Bareh: , 24th New York cavalry, mortally, Capt ‘ton. H, 24ih New York cavalry, left arm. ‘ Lieut. Randall, B, 24th New York cavalry, neck, both arms and ‘og, ~ —— oe Pennsylvania, commanding brigaée, ull, severely. Col. Marshall, 14th New York Deavy artillery, commané contusion of thi Lieutenant 1 479th Now Yor. M 179th New York. Colburn, 59th Massachusetts, side, slightly, vain 8, A. Bean Captain J. Caburn, 56th Massachusetts, arm. Lieutonant A. Huff, 84 Maryland, should Lieutenant M. spencer, 4th New York heavy artillery, arm pit. Bist W. Degraff, 14th New York hoavy artil- 'y, bip. Lieutenant D. §. Dubs, 2d Pennsylvania, hip, Lieutenant G, W. Pope, 29th Massachusetts, arm. Lieutenant E. H Adams, 67th Massachusetts, arm. Captain McKibben (General Bullies’ staf), neck, severely, not dangerous, Lieutenant Watts (General Hartrauft’s stat), slightly ;— Captain A. Littlejohn, arm, Capt A. Hason, side. Capt. J. M. Lucker, H, 57th Massachusetts, . H, Maatina, 24 Pennsylvania heavy artillery. Lieut. L. K. Kirk, G, 100th Penosylvania Voluniecrs, sboumer, Colonel F. B. Doty, 177th New York, right sboulder aud thigh. capt. Exton, 2d Pennsylvania heavy artillery, face and arm. Major J, B. Sloan, 170th New York, abdomen, Lieut. J.C Dougherty, 100th Pennsylvani: Lieut. B. F. Enright, F, 2d Pennsylvania heavy artillery. Licut. Col. M. M. Dawson, 100th Peansylvauia Volunteers, arm. Lieut. 8. W. Clark, C, 24 Pennsylvania heavy artiller. Capt J. D. Dought; , 66th Nassabusetis, bead. NINETEENTH NRW YORK. J Agner, E R Cartwr ght, F Lonsteat W Palmer, ani B Clarke, K RH Peckham, C Burrows, & © Baldrich, B G B Thatcher, A ah rn a ENTS. 8 O Gibson, D, 1} Bergt J Bill F, a NY W O Hawkins. G, ¥ J ermn, K Y M B Brower, 7th N WH Trson, 1,24 ¥ Wm Conden, D, 116th Pa AJH Ferreil, F, ith NY. M 2d Me QF Reynolas, B, 1th NY HRB Lorick,’¢, Thos 7 n G MOK Ba Begs) 8 iM pwr W We aac F a a H mean grees o Mel FJ Patterson, Le Go Wm Nd. " @ Roop, #&, 1401! ¥ mB, 140th 3 Route 20x Y art Ligue J Clapsaddie, H. 24 ‘Goria, C. goth NY ‘off, Rol, 1, 524 A Tarser, H, 67th NY Ue AL, id eee Taons, 5 Bellman, K, ‘A Willtams,’ A,"26th Norton, C, 26:h Mi: epee ott, rave. I, 56th Mass H Homphreys, C, 24N ¥ cmos artiilery 3 F Rawiand, D, 26th Mich WJ Poal, A, 125th N ¥ A Dallen, A. 126th NY J M Finbury, D, *8th NY. P Mulligan, A. 125un NY TM Cobb. ht a Li IW MM Pierce H, 7th N Y¥ art IH , A, ba NY art rK K. 62a N¥ GH > tith NY MW ‘NY art EB A, ii Mth NY Gw oN Y art FB th WY art Wo NY art B With NY Pp 26th Mich 8 dN Y ort F NY art Ta y uD . 2a NY L Morpby, M, 7th NY art mith, ©. 26th NY A Clomstark, A. 7th N Yart Lieots © Bradley. K,NMbNY BJ Bradley, FB, 1834 Pa P Diebold. H, 16ub Pa E Beebee, 1, 15th Pa 7 wn de J Helan, G, 2d NY art BP Wade. D, 12h ¥ art Oliver Normand, A, J MbNamara, fe Mass 1 pe, Set jrown,C. 21NYart DO Day M 228 ¥ E o, D, 16th Pa M Bweeny, D, 1i¢th Pa, mu- art sien an P Hertz, H, Ola 8 ¥ Serat )) Artinars, &, R McWade, 0, 183d ¥ ©, 6th 6 Demill, @. 620 NY Sergt P Cusick. D, 6 th NY JL, Biasonap, A, N Rosigh, F. 116th Lieut A 8 Dewelia, a Pi G Ireland. G oN H Carroll, BE. 145th Pa GW Simpson, 1, 27th Md A Haich, Hy 53d Va, PI i, Th NY ar D Powers i. Gots % an, — Swart. D, 1, 1th Mi aN Y WH Atchiing, Ly Ist Mage Carol, F artillery } Srnmon G Crook, G 7th NY art ¥ Eldri ge, N J Coffin. B, (3a Pa JA Main, 1, 63d Pa ¥ Webber, ', 16th Pa L Master‘on. 1, 5%, Pa WH Johnson B,1si Mase art L Hand. D, 534 ia Sergt L 8 SaNY MeDol, G. 7th NY art JE Holman, K.W5thNY hy NY Sergt GT Piper, A. 2ith Mich J Wolan, A. 2d NY art A Bayles, K, 116th Pa W Heavender, K, 7th N ¥ KE Weaver, K. 62 NY tington, G, 125th NY ritchard D, 1th NY mo, H. th RE ANS dla Shea, H, 8th N ¥ FYairon rp, ad NY Wall, D, Ist4 Pa Gates A, Hamu ¥ B Sanmott, G, tb NY o, oie 4 we fides sag AJ Quingby, Ana, BBLS Y se. Sitar Moat 9 RS Alkoke/57th RF 8 J Mo@raw, A, 8th NY R @ évin NY. 8 in cy c L M B w c i i w € Gm e Wh A » 8 ; j T 4 9 a % a i { H io 2 Ww Lt ry nf aN 22 Fg En ; 3 ooraera, Ww A Green. D B Ge bi re Cay P Blake, ©, 26th Mi CONTINUED ON FIFTH PAGE