The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-07-11

moved forward some half mile and opened
fire upon the left with their 54-pounders, the
shells exploding in the edge of the woods
along the line of hills where it was supposed
the enemy would attempt to turn our left.
No doubt these terrific missiles had an excel
lent effect in deterring them from this enter
prise, and in retarding their advance. In SO
long range there was danger that some of
our own men might be hit, and a signal sta
ton was established on the top of an old
house overlooking the field, and also COM
manding a view of the river. The firing
from the Galena was directed in front by
these signals. The Jacob Bel and also the
Aroostook fired several shells during the last
part of the battle.
Meantime the contest ragged with terrible
fury along our whole front and right. Ex-
ploding shells filled the air, and riaed shot
screamed overhead. So thick was the cloud
ofdust enyelopins the field, il was impossible,
except from the sound, TO determine which
way the tide of battle ebbed or flowed. The
gunboats kept up a discharge Of their heavy
shells upon the enemy's position. Provost
Marshal Porter meantime took charge of the
disabled and sick soldiers, and took them to
the rear. A large number of stragglers filed
l,,e -,
opposite direction from that in which the en-
eny was coming.
The days contest wound up by diminu-
endo of musketry, and by dark all firing, ex-
cept an occasional shot had ceased. 1t was
too late to obtain any list of killed and
wounded, or in fact TO learn definitely the re-
suit of the fight. The Jacob Bell went down
to City Point, ordering up the Southtield and
all the other vessels living below.
1t should be borne in mind that the wide
bottoms along the river separate the gun
boats in many places, some two miles from
the forces operating on tie hills. The gum
boats Galena, Maratanza, Aroostook, Maras-
ka and Port Royal, are near by, and ought
to be able to render valuable assistance to
the army. The indicstions are that the enc
my will continue to harrass our position and
give the troops no rest, day or night, until
they have been dislodged or compelled to en-
bark. Should affairs reach the latter crisis.
where are the transports to receive such an
army on board, with its immense materiel of
war? There are scarcely vessels enough now
in James river to take on board the wounded
and sick, to say nothing of the army.
SPLENDID CHARGE OF THE VERMONT BRIGADE
Col Kinks of the 18th Mass. regiment,
wounded at the retreat to the James river,
, arrived at Boston July ith. He gives the
following III his account TO the Journal
"The Nineteenth marched all day SUNDAY,
most of the time at double quick. The heat
was oppressive, and fifty men fell out of the
ranks, and into the hands of the rebels, who,
| pressing close upon the retreating army, ap-
peared in their rear about four o'clock, op-
ening fire with two thirty-iwo pounders.-
Our artillery replied with terrific effect, and
the heaviest cannonading ever heard on the
Peninsula ensued. The rebel artillery was
sileneed, but the enemy shortly after appear
ed with two guns on the Williamsburg turn
pike, from which they again opened fire on
our troops. simultaneously with the ap-
pearanee of the artillery an immense force of
infantry opened fire along the entire line of
the wood in front of the Federal position
Here occurred the most desperate fight of
the retreat. Brooks Vermont Brigade en-
gagged the rebels in succession of splendid
charges, capturing the guns on the turnpike
and driving the rebels back at the point of
! the bayonet.
Immediately after this our army resumed
their retreat. leaving their dead and wound
ed on The field. Al who could walk crawled
along with the retreating amy; many fell
into the hands of the rebels, and many more
struggled into the White Oak Swamp, where
they doubtless persisted. The Federal army
crossed the swamp, blowing up the bridge,
and reached the south side on Monday morn
ing"