The Sun.
London, England, 1863-08-13 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, AUGUST 13, 1863.

Sou them Account of the Battles of Gettys-

burg•

I proceed to• day to give you a hasty sketch of the move-
ments of this army since we crossed the Potomac. As I was
not with our advance, under Lieut.-General Ewell, I shall
not be able to give you as full and reliable reports of the
movements of his corps up to the battle of Gettysburg as of
the main body of the army, which crossed the Potomac two
days after his corps. I learn that Eweil's corps crossed on
23d June—one portion at Shepherdstown and another at
"Williamsport, and that the two columns united at Hagers-
town, From the latter place one division—Rhodes', I think
—was pushed on through Greencastle and Chambersburg
to Carlisle, making at all three of these places considerable
captures of army supplies—hats. shoes, clothing, and medi-
cal stores. Another division—Early's—turned to the right

from Chambersburg and moved on York, on the Northern

Central Railroad, when, after a short and inconsiderable

engagement with a body of Pennsylvania militia, in which
quite a ndmber were taken prisoners, the town surrendered.
Early then pushed on to Wrightsville, on the south side of
the Susquehannah, where were posted a small body of mi-
litia, who fled precipitately at his approach across the river,
and burned the bridge. Some few prisoners were taken at
Carlisle-200 or 300—all militia, and they, as also those
captured at York and Wrightsville, were immediately pa-
roled and discharged.

On the morning of the 24th of June A. P. Hill's corps
(the Third) crossed the Potomac at Boteler's Mill, one
mile below Shepherdetown, Anderson's division being in
the advance. That night the head of Hill's corps reached
]3oonsboro', which latter place was occupied by Wright's
brigade of Andersen's division. From this place we moved
on Chambersburg, via Funkstown, Hagerstown, and Mid-
dleburg, reaching the former on the 27th. Passing through
Chambersburg on the 27th, we pushed on to Fayetteville,
Eve miles from Chambersburg, on the Baltimore and Phi-
ladelphia turnpike. Here we halted until Tuesday, the
30th, waiting for the rear of the corps and our supply

trains to come up. In the meantime Longstreet's corps had

turned up the river from Millwood, and passing through

Martinsburg, erossed the River at Williamsport, and,falling
into our line of advance at Hagerstown, followed it to

Fayetteville, reaching the latter place on Monday, the 29th.
Having now concentrated our army, except Ewell's corps,
whose operations have already been given, on Tuesday the
30th General Lee ordered the line of march to be taken up
for Gettysburg, 20 miles distant in an easterly direction. In
this movement Hill's corps was in the advance, and in the
following order :—Heth's division, Pender's division,
..
An-
derson's division ; then Longstreet's corps, M'Laws'
sion, Hood's division ; Pickett's division being left at Clurn-
beisburg to protect our rear and convoy the reserve trains.
Two miles from Fayetteville we crossed the South Moun-
tain at Stephens' (Thaddeus) Iron Works, all of which were
completely destroyed. Owing to the narTw road through
the mountain pass only two divisions of Hill's corps crossed
the mountain on the 30th. Early on Wednesday Hill's re-
maining division (Anderson's) and Longstreet's corps moved
on after Hill's advance.
At 10 o'clock a.m. on the Ist instant, Heth's division
being ahead, encountered the enemy's advance line—the
11th corps—about three miles west of Gettysburg. Here
a sharp engagement began, our men steadily advancing
and driving the enemy before them to the town, and to a
range of hills or low mountains running out a little east of
south from the town. Late in the evening two divisions
—Early's and Rhodes's, of Ewell's corps—came up on our
left from Carlisle and York, and, falling upon the enemy's
right flank, drove him with great slaughter upon and
through the town to the heights on the south. In the
meantime Pender's division (of Hill's corps) had moved up
to the support of Heth on the right, and opened a hot fire
upon the enemy, which drove them back upon the low
mountain range already alluded to. Anderson's division
got up too late to participate in the day's engagement, owing
to its having been unnecessarily halted for more than three
hours on the eastern slope of the South Mountain, at a small
village called Cashtown. This halt was made while the
division was not only hearing the fire of the battle, but was
actually in sight. From its position the men could see each
discharge of our own and the enemy's guns—could see that
Heth was driving him slowly but steadily. If Anderson
had pushed on, it is more than probable the whole Yankee
force would have been captured; for up to this time (Wed-
nesday evening) the enemy had not brought up his main
force. The addition of Anderson's force to that already en-
gaged on our side would have enabled us to get possession of
the mountain range upon which the subseqaentbattles were
fought by the enemy. Had our army succeeded in getting
possession of this range there can be no doubt that the
whole Yankee army would have been destroyed. As it was,
the delay of Anderson prevented Heth and Pender from
taking possession of this important position, and permitted
it to fall into the enemy's hands. I have no hesitation in
saying that the fatal blander was fraught with the most
disastrous consequences to our arms. I learn that all of
the brigadier commanders in Anderson's division were
anxious to advance, but the major-general would not con-
sent. I have heard no reason given for this delay, and
presume that General Lee will have the whole matter in-
vestigated. It is due to himself and his noble army that it
should be done—that the country and army should know
why seven or eight thousand men were kept idle in sight
of a terrible and important battle, without being allowed
to fire a gun. The result of the day's fight may be
summed up thus :—We had attacked a superior force—had
driven him over three miles ; captured three thousand
prisoners, and killed and wounded five or six thousand.
ur own loss was not heavy, though a few brigades suffered
severely. The conduct of Gordon's and Hays' brigades is
said to have been very fine. It was these two brigades of
Early's division which drove the enemy through the town
of Gettysburg. All of our troops behaved well that were en-
gaged.

Late in the evening Anderson's division and M'Laws'
division, of Longstreet's corps, got up to within a mile or
two of the town and bivouacked for the night. Early next
morning (Thursday), the 2d, Hood's division also got up,
and our line of battle was formed. The enemy, during the
night, had succeeded in getting up his entire force—some
130,000 to 150,000 men—and took up a strong position on
a low mountain range, or ridge, which runs nearly south
from Gettysburg. The town is situated on the northern
slope of this range, and about a mile and a half or two miles
from its summit. The western slope of this range is in
cultivation, except small patches, where the mountain side
is so precipitous as to defy the efforts of the farmer to bring
it into subjection to the ploughshare ; these patches are co.
vered with small timber and undergrowth. At the foot of

the mountain is a narrow valley, from a mile to two miles

in width, broken in small ridges running parallel with the
mountain. On the western side of the valley rises a long,
high hill, mostly covered with heavy timber, but greatly
inferior in altitude to the mountain range upon which the
enemy had taken up position, but running nearly parallel
with it. The valley between this ridge and the mountain is
in cultivation, and the fields were yellow with the golden
harvest. About four or five miles south from Gettysburg the
mountain rises abruptly to an altitude of several hundred
feet, presenting a sharp, rugged, and almost perpendicular
peak, covered with original forest growth. Upon this peak
the enemy rested his left flank, his right being upon the crest
of the range about a mile or a mile and a half from Gettys-
burg. Our line of battle was formed along the western slope
of the second and inferior ridge described above, and in the
following order—Ewell's corps on the left beginning at
thy town, with Early's division, then Rhode's division,
On the right of Rhode's division was the left of Hill's
corps, commencing with Heth's, then Finder's and Ander-
son's divisions. On the right of Anderson's division was
Longstreet's left. M'Laws' division being next to Ander-
R_°/1, and Hood on the extreme right of our line, which was
'l.lToilite the peak upon which the enemy's left rested. A
1:1B1( skirmish firing was kept up during the entire morning,
~‘1„„t .4° general engagement took place until late in the after-
-11-6itlerl„towill be seen that in the order of battle given above
eiviejo:ofilnson s division of Ewell's corps, nor Pickett 's
day ueou nestreet's corps, had a place. Up to Thurs-
had beeutrelttlier of these divisions had come up. Pickett
escort ourat Chambersburg to protect our rear and
the SuseneheZtrain, and Johnson had been operating on
time, early iu il, in the direction of Harrisburg. At one
awn made an attrling) Hays' brigade of Early's divi-
the town, and char lion the enemy on the south side of
fain soon got pa„,:Zl lip the northern slope of the moun-
them from a strong the enemy's first line, driving
l'"b• on the Cemetery Hill. It is thought that it adequate
i: eDPort had been near at hand he
might have dislodged t
on the right. Gordo/es brit'g"laci Y from his strong position
was double-quicked to his eupe' vhieh was in the town,
g petit'th.bms
at
tottviceingthpromptly o
tarnad-
rapidly ; but, owing to th©
Before his support
verse, Hays was compelled to fallilayekw
ve,it is said that his
reached him. In this charge of
men clubbed their guns and had a des
conflict with a very superior force of theatem band to band
the slaughter of the Yankees was fearful. evaY, and that
About the middle of the afternoon orders zrterilnee
tuerai
to the different commanders to prepare for a m
attack upon the enemy's centre and left. Lo
to commence the movement, which was to be follow
on his left in quick succession by the respective divisions'
of Hill's corps. As Anderson's division, or at least a
portion of it, took a conspicuous part
you
in thisthe
order
movement,
I have ascertained, and now give of its
different brigades the
':—Onm _e
ax
xtr :floe
ftr,ight of Anderson's
was Wilcox's bri-
division, connecting with. L
and Malone's. At
ade, then Perry's, Wright s, Posey s,
half-past 5 o'clock Longstree; commenced the attack, and
Willcox followed it up by prompt!moving
Y forward; Perry's
brigade quickly followed, and Wright moved simultaneously
with him. The two divisions of Longstreet'scothrpothe rangsEsomom e
neetns:
countered the enemy posted a little in
rear
burg turnpike, which winds along the slop of
e of
upon which the enemy's main force was concentrated. After
driven back
a short but spirited engagement, the enemy.
and
upon the main line upon the crest of the hill. DI
Hood's division made a desperate assault upon their main
line ; but owing to the precipitate and very rugged. charac-
The
ter et the slope, were unable to reach the summit•
enemy's loss on this part of the line was very heavy. I have
heard several officers say that they have never seen the
enemy's dead cover the ground so thickly, not even at the
first Fredericksburg fight, as they did on that portion of
the field over which INPLaws' troops fought. While the light
was raging on our right, Wilcox and Wright, of Anderson's
division, werepreefsing the enemy's centre. Wilcox pushed

forward for nearly a mile, driving the enemy before him
and up to his very guns, over and beyond his batteries, seve-
ral guns of which he captured, and nearly up to tht summit
of the hill, Wright had swept over the valley under a ter-
rific fire from the enemy's batteries, posted n M'Pher-
son's heights, bad encountered the enema', f dvance line,
and had driven him across the Emmetsbur4b like to a posi-
tion behind a stone wall or fence which runs parallel with
the pike, and about 60 or 80 yards in front of the batteries

on the heights and immediately under them. Here this
gallant brigade had a most desperate engagement for 15 or
20 minutes ; but charging rapidly up the almost perpendi-

cular side of the mountain, they rushed upon the enemy's
infantry behind the stone wall, and drove them from it

at the point of the bayonet. Now concentrating their
fire upon the heavy batteries (20 guns) of the enemy on the

crest of the heights, they soon silenced them, and rushing
forward with a shout, soon gained the summit of the heights,

capturing all the enemy's guns, and driving their infantry
in great disorder and confusion into the woods beyond.
We now had the key to the enemy's stronghold, and ap-
parently the victory was won. M‘Laws and Hood had

pushed their line well up the slope on the right; Wilcox
had kept well up on his portion of the line; Wright had
pierced the enemy's main line on the summit of M'Pher-
son's Heights, capturing his heavy batteries, thus breaking
the connection between his right and left wings. I said
that, apparently, we had won the victory. It remains co
be stated why our successes were not crowned with the
important results which should have followed such heroic,
daring, and indomitable bravery. Although the order was
peremptory that all of Anderson's division should move into
action simultaneously, Brigadier-General Posey, command-
ing a Mississippi brigade, and Brigadier-General Mahone,
commanding a Virgiuian brigade, failed to advance. This
failure of these two brigades to advance is assigned, as I
learn upon inquiry, as the reason why Fender's division, of
Hill's cwoar Ps
o didconot
eandeveanfcercatlatbeeortdigerhtbeainngd tbheattatkheenaudp.
vancealong our whole line. Fender's failure to advance caused
the division on his left—Beth's—to remain inactive. Here
we have two whole divisions, and two brigades of another,
standing idle spectators of one of the most desperate and
important assaults that has ever been made on this conti-
nent-15,000 or 20,000 armed men resting on their arms,
in plain view of a terrible battle, witnessing the mighty
efforts of two little brigades (Wright's and Wilcox's, for
perry had fallen back overpowered) contending with the
heavy masses of Yankee infantry, and subjected to a most
deadly fire from the enemy's heavy artillery, without a single
effort to aid them in the assault or to assist them when the
heights were carried. Perry's brigade, which was between
Wilcox and Wright, soon after its first advance was pressed
so heavily as to be forced to retire. This left an interval
in the line between Wright and Wilcox, and which the
enemy perceiving, he threw a heavy column in the gap then
made, deploying a portion of it in Wilcox's left flank,while
a large force was thrown in rear of Wright's right flank.
The failure of Posey and Mahone to advance upon Wright's
left enabled the enemy to throw forward a strong force on
that flank, and to push it well to his rear along the Emmets-
burg pike. It was now apparent that the day was lost—
lost after it was won—lost, not because our army fought
badly, but because a large portion did not fight at all.
My narrative left Wright's little brigade of Georgians in
the enemy's entrenchments upon the heights. Let us re-
turn to this little Spartan band, who this day covered them-
selves with glory—alas, how vallyl Perceiving, after
getting possession of the enemy's works, that they were cer-
tainly isolated—more than a mile from support—that Perry's
brigade had been driven back on their right; that no advance
had been made on their left, and just then seeing the
enemy's flanking columns on their right and left flanks
rapidly converging in their rear, these noble Georgians
faced about, abandoning all the guns they had captured,
and prepared to cut their way through the enemy who had
now almost entirely surrounded them. Springing with
alacrity down the hill to the stone fence, they were halted,

and delivered a well-directed fire upon the enemy then
passing along the pike road. Following this discharge by
a charge over the stone wall and through the enemy's ranks,
they soon gained the foot of the slope, when the lately aban-
doned guns upon the heights opened a most destructive fire
of grape and canister upon them. Here their loss was very
severe. But although more than one-half their number
had fallen—although every field officer but one had been
killed or wounded—with their comrades falling in heaps
on every side, this little handful of choice spirits retired
in tolerable order until they reached the bottom of the
second slope, where they were halted, faced to the front
and reformed, to await the approach of the enemy, now
seen advancing about three hundred yards distant. The
Yankees, perceiving that our men had reformed for a fight,
prudently withdrew without firing a gun. During this
time Wilcox, who had driven the enemy well up the side of
the mountain, capturing several of his guns, found his left
exposed by the flank movement of the enemy, heretofore
mentioned, and was compelled to retire, abandoning his
captured guns. On our right M'Laws and Hood continued
to press the enemy until night set in and ended
the sanguinary conflict. The enemy's loss during this
day's fight was very heavy, particularly on that portion of
the field where Benin's brigade (of Hock's division),
Barksdale's and Wofford's (of M'Laws'), and Wilcox's and
Wright's (of Anderson's division) were engaged. Our own
loss was slight, except in Wright's and Wilcox's brigades,
in both of which it was very heavy, amounting to more
than half of the forces engaged.

Early next morning—Friday, the 3d—preparations were
made for a general attack along the enemy's whole line,
while a large force was to be concentrated against his centre,
with the view of retaking the heights captured and aban-
doned the day before by Wright. Lieutenant General
Longstreet massed a large number of long range guns-55
in number—upon the crest of a slight eminence just in
front of Perry's and Wilcox's brigades, and a little to the
left of the heights, upon which they were to open. Lieu-
tenant-General Hill massed some 60 guns along the hill
in front of Posey's and Mahone's brigades, and almost
immediately in front of the heights. At twelve o'clock
the signal gun was fired, and the cannonading com-
menced. The fire of the guns was concentrated upon the
enemy's line on the heights stormed on the day before by
Wright's brigade. Our fire drew a most terrific one
from the enemy's batteries, posted along the heights from
a point near Cemetery Hill to the point in their line op-
posite to the position of Wilcox. I have never yet heard
such tremendous artillery firing. The enemy must
have had over 100 guns, which, in addition to our 115,
made the air hideous with most discordant noise. The
very earth shook beneath our feet, and the hills and
rocks seem to reel like a drunken man. For one hour and
a half this most terrific fire was continued, during which
time the shrieking of shells, the crash of falling timber, the
fragments of rock flying through the air shattered from the
cliffs by solid shot, the heavy mutterings from the valley
between the opposing armies, the splash of bursting shrap-
nel, and the fierce neighing of wounded artillery horses,
made a picture terribly grand and sublime, but which my
pen utterly fails to describe. After the firing had continued
for little more than an hour the enemy's gun began to
slacken, and finally all were silenced save some six or eight,
which were in a clump of woods a little to the left of the
stone fence.
Now the storming party was moved up, Pickett's division
in advance, supported on the right by Wilcox's brigade and
on the left by Heth's division, commanded by Pettigrew.
The left of Pickett's division occupied the same ground over
which Wright had passed the day before. I stood upon an
eminence and watched this advance with great interest. I
had seen brave men pass over that fated valley the day be-
fore ; I had witnessed their death struggle with the foe on
the opposite heights ; I had observed their return with shat-
tered ranks, a bleeding mass, but with unstained banners.
Now I saw their valiant comrades prepare for the same
bloody trial, and already felt that their efforts would be
vain unless their supports should be as true as steel and

brave as lions. Now they move forward; with steady,
measured tread they advance upon the foe. Their
banners float defiantly in the breeze, as onward in
beautiful order they press across the plain. I have
never seen since the war began (and I have been in all the
great fights of this army) troops enter a fight in such
splendid order as did this splendid division of Pickett's.
Now Pettigrew's command emerge from the woods upon
Pickett's left, and sweep down the slope of the hill to the
valley beneath, and some 200 or 300 yards in rear of
Pickett. I saw by the wavering of this line as they entered
the conflict that they wanted the firmness of nerve and
steadiness of trad which so characterised Pickett's men,
and I felt that these men would not, could not, stand the
tremendous ordeal to which they would be soon subjected.
These were mostly raw troops, which had been recently
brought from the South, and who had, perhaps, never been
under fire—who certainly had never been in any very severe
fight—and I trembled for their conduct. Just as Pickett
was getting well under the enemy's fire our batteries ceased
firing. This was a fearful moment for Pickett and his
brave command. Why do not our guns reopen their fire is
_ . .

.._
the inquiry that rises upon every lip. Still our batteries
are silent as death. But on press Pickett's brave Virginians.
And now the enemy open upon them from more than 50
Tune a terrible fire of grape, shell, and canister. On, on
they move in unbroken line, delivering a deadly fire as they
their artillery, Z., here
Now they have reached the Emmetsburg road,
turn their whir fire the Zeiree4eBY. meet a severe fire from the heavy masses of
ryinfantry, posted behind the stone fence, while
flee from the annoyance of our artillery,
stone fence
remain firm. holeere upon this devoted band. Still they
; the ,7anagain they advance; they storm the
one by one, silenced Ines fly. The enemy's batteries are,
deliver their fire at the
pieces. I see Kemper quick succession as Pickett's men
Ban
the enemy's works. I hear th
and
and drive them from their
glad shout of victory.
vnicmtoyri7aus6r:s6htoUt of the gallant Vir-
Let us now look after Patti heir
rtead
plant their banner in
division. Where are
they now ? While thei
luY eyes to the left,
and there all over the plain in utmos'utrucokezinfusionis scattered
ginians is still ringing
this strong division. Their line is bre
apparently panic-stricken, to the rear. Ti:etilate, flying,
grew is wounded ; but he still retains --"`" retti-
comraaad .4
vainly striving to rally his men. Still the moving -bi
rush pell-mell to the rear, and Pickett is left alone to con,
tend with the hordes of the enemy now pouring in upon
him on every Bide. Garnet falls, killed by a Minie ball,
and Kemper, the brave and chivalrous, reels under a
mortal wound, and is taken to the rear. Now the
enemy moved around strong flanking bodies of infan-

try, and are rapidly gaining Pickett's rear. The
order is given to fall back, and our men commence the
movement, doggedly contending for every inch of ground.
The enemy press heavily our retreating line, and many noble
spirits who had passed safely through the fieryordeal of the
advance and charge now fall on the right and on the left.
Armistead is wounded and left in the enemy's hands. At
this critical moment the shattered remnant of Wright's
Georgia brigade is moved forward to cover their retreat,
and the fight closes here. Our loss in this charge was very
severe, and the Yankee prisoners taken acknowledge that
theirs was immense. Anticipating that a renewal of the
attack would be made on this point in his line, Meade had
concentrated a very heavy force of infantry in support of his
batteries, and the fire of our artillery was said to have been
very destructive to them, lying as they were in heavy masses
just in rear of their own guns. I have stated that just after
Pickett commenced the attack our batteries ceased firing,
and upon inquiry I learn that they had exhausted all their
ammunition, and were thus compelled to withdraw. This
is most remarkable, and would seem to demand investi-
gation.
During the attack made by Pickett, M'Laws had been
actively engaged on our right, but with no decisive results.
Ewell, also on our extreme left, had been threatening the
enemy in his position on Cemetery Hill ; but these were
mere feints, to cover and divert attention from our main
attack upon the centre. You will see that twice wo took
the M'Pherson Heights—the real key to the enemy's whcle
position—once by a single brigade on Thursday, and again
by a single division on Friday, and that in both instances
we lost it by the failure of proper supports to the at
tacking parties. On whom the blame rests for the second
failure I shall not attempt to say. The most careless
reader will be at no loss to discover the responsible party.
For the failure to send in support in the first assault (on
Thursday) the conviction is general in this army that
Major General Anderson should be held responsible. It
was a portion of his division that made the assault and
successful charge, and two of his strongest brigades, al-
though on the field, were not put in action. Why this was
so I presume and hope he will be able to explain when he
comes to make his official report.
Nothing further transpired during the afternoon and
night of Friday. On Saturday we were engaged with
strong working parties burying our dead and caring for the
wounded.

It is now apparent that the enemy's position was almost
impregnable. It was farther made known that the three
days' fighting had nearly exhausted our ammunition. There
had been indications the night before (Friday) that the
enemy were moving off ; but all Saturday morning the
atmosphere was so hazy that nothing could be seen, and
from noon until night the rain poured in such torrents
as to utterly preclude any accurate observations being
made. During the whole of the day our wounded—at
least such as were able to bear it—were being sent
towards Hagerstown, and late in thq afternoon our ai tillery
and waggon trains also commenced moving in the same
direction. At dark our whole army were put in motion,
taking the road to Fairfield, and crossing South Mountain
at Waterloo Gap. Our falling back was orderly, and with-
out loss of men or guns. All our artillery was brought off,
and very few, if any, stragglers fell into the enemy's hands.
Having crossed the mountain we moved on to Hagerstown,
where we arrived on Monday, the 6th. Here we took
position, and calmly awaited the approach of the enemy.
On Tuesday his advance got as near to us as Funkstown,
four miles south of Hagerstown, and on Wednesday and
Thursday his whole command confronted us. We were
anxious for him to commence the attack, and hourly ex-
pected the ball to open. During Friday, Saturday, Sun-
day, and Monday, we lay face to face ; but the enemy re-
fused to accept our wager of battle. On Monday night,
finding that the enemy had no idea of offering us battle,
but had gone to work entrenching and fortifying, General
Lee determined to re-cross the river. I have no doubt the
continued and heavy rains, and consequent rapid rising of
the Potomac, had some influence on this movement. We
are now all on the " sacred soil of old Virginia," in fine
spirits and good health, and fully prepared to meet the
Yankee army whenever it shall get ready to move upon us.
No one in the army has had his confidence in Gen. Lee in
the slightest degree impaired by the last month's campaign.
He had difficulties to contend with which impartial history
will duly record, and his fair fame will not receive a single
blot by this campaign. I shall at some future moment,
when I have leisure, give you some more full particulars of
the campaign and what we accomplished. Our loss in the
three days' fighting at Gettysburg will fall below 10,000 in
killed, wounded, and missing. The enemy's loss is at least
30,000 killed and wounded, and 10,000 prisoners. Some of
the prisoners—indeed most of them—were paroled in Penn-
sylvania. The balance have been sent to Richmond.
The sun rises, clouds obscure its brightness as if loth to
look upon the scene to witness such inhumanity, but from
which no people are exempt who ever left a history or bene-
fited the human race. The conflict began ere Tubal Cain
first worked in brass, and will continue till a higher virtue
than man has ever reached shall govern events. Soon the
division leaves the main road, makes a detour to the right,
winds over hill through wood towards the right of our line
of battle. The morning is now wearing away; at times a
cannon shot breaks the quiet, and a shell comes screaming
through the sir. Now and then the skirmishers break
forth, varying from the sharp, quick crack of a single rifle
to perfect volleys. Hour after hour thus passes, and the
battle is not yet begun. Our troops are raking position.
Ewell is on the left, Hill holds the centre, and Longstreet
on the right. Long lines of men are moving across yonder
fields, or marching through that piece of wood. Batteries
of artillery occupy this hillock and that mound ; whilst
along the low range of hills just back of Gettysburg at
intervals are batteries unlimbered and ready for action.
Towards the left a body of cavalry are slowly moving.
It is now nearly noon; the clouds break away—the air is
warm and sultry. ei The signal flags are waving fast intel-
ligence along our lines. Presently the shrill sound of a
Whitworth awakes the silence, then batteries slowly open
from this point and that. The enemy reply with vigour.
The fire on either side rapidly increases ; dense columns of
smoke hang over the beautiful valley, and, rising upward,
slowly float away. From that point a new battery belches
forth—another and still another joins in the awful chorus—
the very air seems filled with hissing, screaming, bursting
shells. The lurid flame leaps madly from the cannon's
mouth—each moment the roar grows more intense—now
chime in volleys of small arms. But where is that division
which is to play so conspicuous a part in this day's tragedy ?
they are in line of battle, just fronting that frowning hill,
from which heavy batteries are belching forth shell and
shrapnel with fatal accuracy. The men are lying close to
the ground; hours pass, and the deadly missiles come thick
and fast on their mission of death. See that shattered
arm ; that leg shot off, that headless body, and here the
mangled form of a young and gallant lieutenant, who had
braved the perils of many battles. That hill must be carried,
to rout the enemy; a terrible chastisement has been inflicted
on him ; with immense loss he had been driven from his
position two days previous—this is his stronghold. This
captured, rout is inevitable ; exceedingly strong by nature,
but rendered more so by the works thrown up the night
before. It is a moment of great emergency; if unshrinkiug
valour or human courage can carry these heights it will be
done. Gen. Pickett receives the order to charge those bat-
teries at the opportune moment. The cannonade still goes
on with intense fury; our batteries are handled with great
skill. This battery and that limbers up, advance to the front,
wheel into action, and again the roar of cannon becomes
almost deafening. Our shells seem to burst with terrible
accuracy ; now a caisson of the enemy's is blown up ;
quickly another follows ; their fire slackens; the order comes
to advance. 'That flag which waved amid the wild tempest
of battle at Gaines' Mill; Frazer's Farm, and Manassas,
never rose more proudly. Kemper, with as gallant men as
ever trod beneath that flag, leads the right; Garnett, with
his heroes, brings up the left; and the veteran Armistead,
with his brave troops, moves forward in support. Tho dis-
tance is more than half a mile. As they advance the enemy
fire with great rapidity—shell and solid shot give place to
grape and canister—the very earth quivers beneath the
heavy roar—wide gaps are made in this regiment and that
brigade—yet they quckly close up and move steadily on-
ward. That flag goes down. See how quickly it again
mounts upward, borne by some gallant man, who feels
keenly the honour of his old Commonwealth in this hour
which is to test her manhood. The line moves onward,
straight onward—cannons roaring, grape and canister
plunging and ploughing through the ranks, bullets whizzing
as thick as hailstones in winter, and men falling as leaves
fall when shaken by the blasts of autumn. In double quick,
and with a shout which rises above the roar of battle, they
charge. Now they pour in volleys of musketry—they
reach the works—the contest rages with intense fury—men
fight almost hand to hand—the red cross and gridiron wave
defiantly in close proximity—the enemy are slowly yielding
—a Federal officer dashing forward in front of his shrink-
ing columns, and with flashing sword, urges them to stand.
Gen. Pickett, seeing the splendid valour of his troops,
moves among them as if courting death by his own daring
intrepidity. The noble Garnett is dead, Armistead wounded,
and the brave Kemper, with hat in hand, still cheering on
his men, falls from his horse into the ranks of the enemy.
His men rush forward, rescue their general, and he is borne
mortally wounded from the field. Where is the gallant
Williams? The first is there, but his clear voice is no longer
heard—he has fallen lifeless, and there goes his horse now
riderless. There stand the decimated ranks of the Third ;
and Mayo, though struck, stands firm with his faithful men,
animating them to yet more daring deeds ; but Callcott, the
Christian soldier, who stood unmoved amid this carnival
of death, has fought his last battle ; no sound shall awake
him to glory again till the summons of the Great Judge,
announcing to him the reward of the faithful soldier who
has fought the good fight. Patten, Oten, and Terry, who
but a moment since stood at the head of their respective
regiments, are wounded. The brave Hunton, hero of Lees.
burg, most worthy successor of the noble Garnett, Stewart,
and Gant, lies wounded, Carrington, his gallant regiment
shattered, stands firmly, flaunting defiantly his colours in
the very face of the enemy. Allen and Ellis killed. Hodges,
force on the right Hank, too, has fallen, and the modest, chivalrous Edmunds lies
numbered with the noble dead; Aylett wounded, and Ma-
\
gtwi., er has gone down in the shock of battle. The fight
b:_l_i_ 7—but few are left, and the shrinking columns of the
v'uf 'a . Rain Confidence from the heavy reinforcements ad-
suced to their sup
ranks torn and Shank. 'they, too, are moving in largo
This division, small a first, with
shattered, most of its officers killed or

wounded, no valour able to rescue victory from such a
grasp, annihilation or capture inevitable, slowly, reluctantly
fell back. It was not given to these few remaining brave
men to accomplish human impossibilities. The enemy dared
not follow them beyond their works, Such was the fate of
the general and regimental officers—longer is the list of
junior officers, and still longer the roll of the " unknown
dead"—men who endured privations without murmur,
hardships difficult to realise till actually experienced with-
out complaint, with few opportunities of realising any dis-
tinction which ambition might covet as the reward of meri-
torious conduct, save a soldier's grave : and yet they bore
them all, and willingly would they have submitted to a
severer lot in vindication of their country's liberty. The
Confederacy can find no reward worthy the noble bearing
of its private soldiers.

Night now approaches, the wounded are being borne off
ambulances to their less many with slight wounds
ploddedto t h eir
arleosnpge t ilve
ae v
ihnogs pt ibt ae s
fortu-
nate comrades. With night the battle closed, our army
holding the same position from which it had driven the
enemy two days previous. One by one the stars came out
in the quiet sky, and over that field of carnage hung the
sweet influences of the Pleiades. In the series of engage-
ments a few pieces of artillery and 8,000 prisoners were cap-
tured by our army. Our loss in killed, wounded, and miss-
ing supposed about 10,000, whilst the enemy we understand
acknowledge a loss of 30,000. The army of Northern Vir-
ginia, with zeal unabated, courage intrepid, devotion un-
chilled, with unbounded confidence in the wisdom of that
great chieftain who has so often led them to victory, stands
ready to advance their standards further into the enemy's
country,
Though
many
or rep any new invasion of the Confederacy.
Virginian home will mourn the loss of
some noble spirit, yet, at tho name of Pickett's division
and the battle of Gettysburg, how the eye will glisten and
the bloodits
quicker,
and the heart beat warm, as
amongrecalled the name of some cherished
noblecou r s
deade qu
is
one. They bore themselves worthy of their lineage and
their state. Who would recall them from their bed of glory?
Each sleeps in a hero's grave I—Richmond Enquirer.

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.

WESTERN CIRCUIT.—WELLS, AUG. 11.
CIVIL COURT.
(Before Mr. Justice Willes.)
The following case had given rise to so much excitemen
in the city of Bath, that it required all the exertions of the
police to protect the pasties from the violence of the mob, as
it was considered to be a case similar to that of Bird and
his wife, who were tried at Exeter some years since, and
which had given rise not only to great litigation and much
legal argument before the judges, but eventually to a spe-
cial Act of Parliament.
Alfred Gardiner Wenslay, and Lucy Wenslay his wife,
two respectable young persons, dressed in deep mourning,
were charged with the manslaughter of Jane Reynolds, a
poor orphan 14 years of age, who had been brought up in
the workhouse, and when 13 years of age had been placed
with Wenslay, a furniture broker in Bath, as a servant,and
it was alleged that Wenslay and his wife had treated the
poor orphan with such cruelty as to occasion her death.
The prisoners were first indicted for manslaughter, but
that bill was thrown out by the grand jury. They were then
charged upon the coroner's inquisition with manslaughter,
but no evidence being offered they were acquitted. The
indictments were then severed.
Alfred Gardiner Wenslay was indicted for unlawfully as-
saulting Jane Reynolds, and occasioning actual bodily
harm, at Bath, on June 7.
Mr. T. W. Saunders and Mr. F. Baily were counsel for
the prosecution; and Mr. Collier, Q.C., and Mr. H. T. Cole
for the prisoners.
According to the statement for the prosecution it appeared
that this poor girl, being an orphan in the workhouse, had
been placed by the guardians as servant to the prisoner and
his wife, two very young persons. After she had been there
some time the neighbours heard screams and blows, and
they saw bruises on the person of the girl. At length she
was removed to the hospital at Bath, where she died of con-
sumption. The following evidence was adduced :
Jane Thaekrell—l live at No. 12, Hampton-row, near
Bath. The prisoner lived at No. 11. I knew him and his
wife. Jane Reynolds was their only servant ; she was 14.
The houses are small. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins lived with me.
I was at home on Saturday the 7th of June. About 11 o'clock
that night I heard the prisoner speak to Jane Reynolds. I
knew his voice. Our kitchens were on a level with a very
thin wall between them. I called down Mrs. Perkins. I
heard the prisoner say, " D-- your eyes, Jane, I will kill
you, and I will do it to-night." I heard blows and screams.
Jane was screaming. I could hear plainly what took place.
The learned Judge said evidence must be given of other
assaults.
Mr. Collier and Mr. Cole objected to this ; the moment
an assault was proved the indictment was satisfied. The pro-
secutor was precluded from proving more than one assault.
The Judge—lt might be admitted to show the character
of the assault—to show it was not within reasonable cor-
rection.
Mr. Cole—ln Bird's case the assaults were charged in
different counts.
The learned Judge was of opinion the fact of the relation
between master and servant gave a character of continuity
to the treatment of one by the other, and any treatment
within reasonable time was evidence to show the character
of the act.
Mr. Collier hoped his lordship would reserve a case.
The Judge thought not. It was a question of form, and
he must take upon himself so much of what had been called
legal ignominy as attached to the decision.
Examination continued—I have at other times subse-
quently heard Jane scream on several occasions, but I do
not know that the prisoner was present. I heard rows
ewhse before
nearly every night, late in the evening.
Cross-examined—The prisoner had two children, one born
esianjceanhee
Rcaemyne
etokills. Theneises were about eight ek
amPtan-row. It has died since the inquest
Jane Reynolds died. Mr. Aust, a builder, afterwards called
to measure the
wall. I did not refuse to allow
so. And when Mr. Aust went into the next
house I did
not call out for him to hear. I have given information to
the coroner's clerk-
-1 had previously told Mr. Bryant. I
him
ewordsthtoe rd
o a
told the coroner's clerk what I have told here to-day. A
blowst through
I ghhavroue
the
toldw a
youllth police-sergeant lives near me, but I did not
tell him. I
I heard, and have nothing more to say. I did not notice
other words. I heard them talking very loud, but I did not
cs otiuelkdehr etahre theba nd saee
could
el
notice what they said. I could if I had listened. I never
spoke to Jane Reynolds or to the prisoner. I did not say
to Mrs. Morgan that I would have pushed Mr. Aust out if
he had come into my kitchen. Mrs. Morgan told me that
Mr. Aust was in NO. 11. I did not tell her I had thrown
open my cupboard in order that Mr. Aust might hear.
Mary Perkins---Jaue Reynolds was a little, thin • l
She did not look at all healthy. I went into girl.
Shethe kitchen on
the Saturday night, being called by Mrs. Thackrell. I heard
a good deal of loud talking
in the prisoner's kitchen. I
knew the prisoner's voice. I heard blows being struck, and
I heard him say be would kill the girl that night. I heard
several blows, and then a faint scream in the girl's
It lasted about five minutes. I heard other words, but
could
not tell what they were. I saw the girl the following Tues-
day. She showed me bruises on her area _ n
and face. I spoke
to her, and she then made a complaint.
Cross-examined—MY parlour where I
live is over the
ug
kitchen. I did not hear anything
111 the parl
parlour. I don't
know what the wall is made of.
I au
don't think the blows stopped when pal:eoserßiseath stone. I
said he
would kill her. I can't positively swear I tearann
after he said this. The bruise on like er screama
the faceslap
from a hand. When Mr. Aust was in the otherw house Mrs.
Thackrell and I carried on a conversation, sheb • being in the
kitchen and being in my _
room.lt did not require us to
speak in a loud voice.
By the Judge—The mark on the arm was as if done with
a stick.
Mary Whitemore—l live at No. 7, H t amp on-row. I often
saw Jane Reynolds. I have seen marks of violence upon
her ; marks with a stick and other weapons
months before her death, and some lser s o long as two
Some
were on
her back, the impression of an iron tip on the heel
of
a man's
boot. I saw a lump of a blow on the head with the handle of
a carving-knife. She was lame.
The Judge said the witness was evidently much preju-
diced from the answers she had gi • ven.
Cross-examined—l saw the mark of the nails of a boot.
It was early in June. I told the neighbours what I had
seen ; probably every n •
eighbour in the row. I may have
told all the neighbours.

girl was very feeble.
Re-examined—The
Mr. Smith Barker—l am resident medical officer at the
Bath Hospital. Jane Reynolds was brought in on the 22d
of July ; she was in a consumption, and died in an hour-
and-a-halt after she came in.
Mr. Collier objected to evidence of bruises, which were
spoken of as having arisen from blows on the 7th of June.
The Judge said there was no evidence bringing down any
assault within a month. It was not evidence.
By the Judge-_I did not find any bruises referable to
any assault a month before.
This was the case on the part of the prosecution.
Mr. Collier then addressed the jury for the prisoner.
It was one of the most painful cases he had ever known,
This youth and his child wife, who had lately been a
mother, were brought to these assizes to answer a charge of
manslaughter. They had heard that there was no valid
ground for that charge. His friend had said that there was
no reason for supposing
that these people in the slightest
degree conduced towards the unhappy death of this poor
workhouse girl. She died of consumption, a disease which
deceived every one. No doubt she had the seeds of con-
sumption in her when she went into that service, and no
doubt was unfit for the performance of her duties, but she
did not know, nor did her master and mistress know it.
But a popular notion had gone forth in Bath that these
young people had been the cause of the girl's death, an
impression not unhke:y to have taken possession of men's
minds who did not know the circumstances of the case.
Every one went about open mouthed—" Oh, she died in
consequence of the cruel treatment of her master and Leis.
tress." This was a striking illustration of how subject to
error was popular feeling. But, happily, in this country,
any one charged with au offence' had a right to be tried, and
those parties had come to these assizes to take their trial on
a charge of manslaughter—that charge, however, had en-
tirely fallen to the ground, and they were now only charged

with an assault. This was a case of most extraordinary
exaggeration. The witnesses had said they heard blows.
Did they believe that a slap in the face, given by the tiny
hand of that young woman, not yet 18, would have been
heard through a 6-inch stone wall? The women wit-
nesses had worked so hard upon their imagination that one
of them said that she could trace the marks of the nails
of a boot upon the girl's shoulders, It was clear these
good women were partisans and had made up their
minds to the hearing many things which had not actually
occurred. He would give them credit for humanity, but if
they had heard all they had stated, would they not have
given information to the police ? They would not have been
contented with merely chattering to their neighbours.
When Mr. Aust, the builder, had gone into the next house,
these women had cried out as lcud as they could, and yet
Mr. Aust could not hear them when he was in the next
house. Masters and mistresses had a right to chastise their
servants and apprentices to a certain degree. It was impos-
sible to call the prisoner or his wife to state the real facts. If
this had been a civil action for an assault they *night have
been examined ; but in a criminal court, as the law now
stood, buz which he hoped would not long remain, a pri.
Boner could not be examined. He should, however, give some
evidence which, he thought, would alter the case very ma-
terially. The learned counsel then stated the nature of the
evidence he should produce. When the poor girl was upon
her deathbed and was told of that fact, in answer to ques-
tions put to her she stated that she had not been unkindly
treated, and to the last she had clung to her mistress and
begged not to be taken from her. These young people had
just entered upon life; they had borne the highest character
for kindness and humanity. He would leave the case in their
hands, not without anxiety, but with strong hopes that there
had only been that ordinary correction which a master was
justified in exercising. He trusted the verdict would dissi-
pate the popular clamour which had ben raised, 'and that
these young people would be returned to their homes with
characters perfectly freed from every stain.
Mr. Davis—l am the relieving officer of the Bath Board
of Guardians, The girl was placed out in 1862. We visit
those who are put out twice a year. I saw her last Decem-
ber. She expressed herself satisfied with her master and
mistress. I saw her again in May, and she did not then
make any complaint.
The learned Judge said if that evidence was admitted he
should allow a former witness to be recalled and ask what
the girl had told her.
Mr. Collier then said he would not proceed with that
head of evidence.

Mr. Aust, a builder, was recalled—l went to look at these
houses. The width of the wall between them is six inches
of stone, in addition to mortar. The best first-class houses
in Bath have not a greater thickness in the party walls.
Words could not be heard from house to house, nor could
the sound of blows. It is impossible. Articulate words
could not by possibility be heard.
Cross-examined—There were no cracks in the wall. I
know this house well, because I superintended its building
for my brother-in-law.

Thos. Isaacs, an architect in Bath, confirmed this testi-
mony as to the thickness of the wall. He bored two holes
through the wall to ascertain it. Could not distinguish any
sound when persons were speaking at the top of their voices.
Ann Morgan--I saw Mr. Aust at No. 12. Mrs. Thrack-
rell said he was there to try her wall, and she said she would
have pushed him out if he had come into her kitchen. I
never heard a word through the wall.
Several witnesses were then called to speak to the charac-
ter of the prisoner.
Mr. Saunders having replied,
Mr. Justice Wiles summed up. It had been laid down
in the old law that a master might use moderate correction
to his servant as he would do to his own child, but the
reasonableness of that correction must vary according to the
usage of society. That law had its origin at a time when
the government of a master over his servant was of a more
paternal character than it was at the present time ; but he
must warn persons that if a master used force towards his
servant he would be amenable to the law. There was no
case in modern times where a master could in anger strike
his servant without being liable to be called upon to justify
his act.

The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.
There was a similar indictment against the wife, who was
defended by Mr. Prideaux.
The learned Judge said ho thought the whole case had
been tried out, and he thought the other indictment ought
not to be proceeded with, because both cases depend upon
the same evidence.

Mr Saunders not acceding to this,
Mr. Justice Willes said he should consult the Chief
Justice; and, having done so, his Lordship said he thought
it would be a waste of judicial force—it would be breaking
a fly upon a wheel to proceed further.
No evidence being offered, the female prisoner was ac-
quitted.

Mr. Justice Willes said he would not say that he con-
curred in the verdict the jury had given. It must be a
satisfaction to find that no person, however humble, could
be illtreated without justice being done them.

OXFORD CIRCUIT.—GLOUCESTER, AUG, 12.
CROWN COURT.
(Before Mr. Justice Byles.)

Thomas Adams and Henry James Phillips wore indicted
for feloniously assaulting and beating Joseph William King,
and stealing £2 Bs. and a chain and watch from his person
at Bristol on July 20.

Mr. Cooke was for the prosecution. The prisoners were
not defended by counsel.
Theprosecutor was walking down St. John-street, Bristol,
near St. John's-arch, on Monday night, the 20th of July,
between 11 and 12 o'clock, and was about 20 yards from a
gas-lamp, when two men attacked him from behind. One
got on his back and squeezed his throat under his chin by
forcing his knuckles against his throat, and when he cried
out the other sprang forward and hit him in the bowels.
One of them searched his pocket and took out Bs. in
money, and took away his chain. The watch and lockets
were picked up by the police afterwards at the place where
the attack had taken place. The only question in the case
was as to the identity of the prisoners. The prosecutor had
no opportunity of seeing their faces, but he took notice of
their backs ; and he pursued Adams for some distance, and
when he had stopped at the corner of a lane a policeman
came up, who had just met Adams running away.
The jury found Adams guilty, but Phillips not guilty.
The same prisoners were then indicted for robbing John
Harding, at Bristol, on the 25th of July.
Mr. Cooke was for the prosecution.

The prosecutor was walking up West-street, a little after
nine o'clock at night, on Saturday, the 25th of July, when
Adams came up to him and took him by the waistcoat, and
would not let him pass. Adams then slipped on one side ;
the prosecutor turned round, and Phillips then seized him
round the waist. The prosecutor was enabled to see his
face, and identified him by his sharp nose. They then left
him, and he found his watch was gone and his guard hang-
ing loose. Phillips was further identified by a witness named
Williams.
The jury found both prisoners guilty.
A previous conviction was proved against Phillips.
The learned Judge postponed the passing of the sentence.

NORTHERN CIRCUIT.—LtvEnrooL, Aug. 12.
CROWN COURT.
(Before Mr. Justice Blackburn.)
Alexander Fletcher, aged 20, by trade a journeyman
joiner, was indicted for having, at Manchester, on the 3d of
April (Good Friday), feloniously killed and slain one Thomas
Shaw.
Mr. Pope appeared for the prosecution ; Mr. Torr was
for the defence.
The case for the prosecution was that the deceased was a
hairdresser, and lived in Rochdale-road, Manchester. On
the evening of Good Friday he was with a friend named
Curran at the Bellevue-gardens, and between 9 and 10
o'clock was dancing with his companion and two women,
when three or four men, of whom the prisoner was one,
jostled against them. Deceased requested the men to desist
from their annoyance, but they said they would do as they
pleased. Deceased then asked one of them whether they
came from Oldham, as he thought so, " they appearing so
uncultivated." The question annoyed the men, and there-.
upon a scuffle took place, deceased's friend being struck, and
deceased himself joining in the melee, striking some of the
offending party " right and left." He was assaulted, and
stabbed both at the back of the head and in the side. He was
taken to the Royal Infirmary at Manchester, where he died on
the 10th of June. On the 19th of April, as the deceased was
in a dangerous state, Mr. Trafford, the stipendiary magis-
trate for the division, was sent for to the infirmary, and the
deceased then made a statement, which was placed by Mr.
Trafford in writing. On the 22d April, having told the pri-
soner the charge on which he was apprehended, that of stab -
bing Shaw, Mr. Trafford caused him to be taken to the infir-
mary, where, at the bedside of Shaw, in prisoner's presence,
the deposition taken on the 19th was read over by Mr. Traf-
ford. Shaw then swore positively to the prisoner as the man
who stabbed him, identifying him as being tall, round-
shouldered, and without beard. He admitted that he struck
the prisoner twice before the latter stabbed him. Witnesses
were called who deposed to the prisoner having been one of
the party who joined in the assault upon deceased and his
companion near the orchestra, in the gardens. Prisoner
had several times during the period of his confinement ad-
mitted having been in the gardens, but denied stabbing de-
ceased. A brother of his and several other witnesses were
called for the defence, who denied that the prisoner was
dancing at the time, or taking any part in the disturbance,
and declared that he was not near the deceased when the
latter was stabbed. The prisoner, who was in respectable
employment, had hitherto borne a good character.
A lengthened trial of the case resulted in the jury re-
turning a verdict of not guilty.
John Raynor, a respectable-looking middle-aged man,
the assistant-overseer of the township of Chatterton, was in-
dicted for embezzling three several sums of £1 Bs. 6d., £4
75., and £2 145., the property of his masters, the overseers
of the township.
Mr. Higgin prosecuted, and Mr. Pope defended the pri-
soner.
The prisoner, it appeared, filled the office of collector of
poor rates of his township, and in fulfilling its duties it ap.
peered that he had received the several sums ef money set
out in the indictment, from different ratepayers, and had
not accounted for the same in the books of the township, or
It appeared from the
paid them over to the overseers,