The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-09-26
A Terrible Battle on Wednesday.

A Terrible Battle on Wednesday.
TO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS.
HEADQUARTERS, Army of the Potomac,
Sept 16, via Frederick 18th.
During the afternoon, information was re-
ceived at headquarters showing that the ene-
my were recrossing the river, and concentra-
ting their forces on the ridge of hills outside
of the town of Sharpsburg. to within three
miles of the main body of our army. Jack
son left Harpel's Ferry this morning, hi.
troops commencing TO arrive during the af-
ternoon, when it became evident that Lee
was disposed to engage our forces in battle
at this point. Gen Mcclellan sent for Frank
Inns corps and Coueh's division, who werc
of Elk Ridge. There was considerable art:l-
lery firing during the day on both sides, re-
sulting il our having about forty killed and
wounded. Among the seriously wounded
was Major Arnedt of the 1st New York ar
tillery, who was struck in the side by piece
of shell, The disposition of the troops for
the impending battle was as follows: Gen
Summers corps with Gen Banks division to
occupy the center Gen Hooker's corps with
the Pennsylvania reserves and Frankiin's
corps OH the right; Gems Porter's and Burn
sides on the extreme left, with the view of
turning the enemy's right flank. Gen Pleas
anton supported the centre with 300 cavalry
and batteries. Gen Hooker in the after
noon crossed Antic,um creek, and took po-
sition or the hills facing Sharpsburg, and
miles to the right of keetsville. His troops
got into action about dusk. The battle last
ed two hours, during which the enemy were
driven about half mile, with considerable
loss. The Pennsylvania reserves, who were
in front, suffered much. The night was oe-
cupied in getting the troops in their respect
i've positions, while ammunition trains and
ambulances were forwarded to the different
commands.
SEPT L., via Frederick, 18th.
This has been an eventful day in the histo-
ry Of the rebellion. 4 battle has taken place
in which the army of the Potomac has again
been victorious, and which exceeds in extd&
any battle heretofore fought on this conti-
nent. At dawn of day the battle was renew
ed on the center and right, by Hooker and
Sumner, who after sharp conflict of two
hours, drove the enemy about one mile. The
rebels rallied shortly afterwards, and with ter
rible loss regained most of the ground. At
this time the fearless andindomitable Hooker
received shot in the ankle, and was carried
from the field. The command of his troops
now devolved on Sumner. Gen Richardson,
commanding division, was severely wound
ei at the same time. General Sumner deter
, mined to reiake the lost ground, and ordered
the troops to advance, which they did with Q
will,driving the rebels before them with great
slaughter. They not only retook the ground,
$ but drove them quarter Of mile beyond.
In this action Gen Mansfield was shot
5 through the lungs, and died soon after. Dur
r ing this time the troops under Burnside and
t Porter had not been idle. They drove the
) rebels from the line of Antictum creek, on
= the main road to Sharpsburg. built bridge
: the old one having been destroyed-and
y occupied the opposite bank. The loss here
:. was considerable. The troops now hold both
1 banks of the creek.
4 To get possession of the ridges of hills on
f the right and left hand side Of the road from
i which the rebels were laundering away with
!. artillery, was a task not easily accomplished.
y Sykes brigade with the assistance of ofSumner,
r carried the ridge on the right side after con-
o siderable trouble and loss, the rebels running
= in all directions. Il is new o'clock, and all
the enemy's positions have been carried, ex-
!. cept the one on the left hand side of the
f road. To do this Burnside was assigned
e The artillery opened and the infantry advanc-
: ed. The point was carried at charge, but
n we were forced to retire before a superior
force. knowing that if they lost this ridge
complete rout of their army would be the
e result, they fought with great desperstion.-
# Darkness now overlooked the two armies, and
r hostilities ceased as though by mutual con-
0 sent The battles lasted from O'Clock IN
e the morning till at night, without mo-
meut's cessation. The conduct of all the
troops, without exception, was all that any
general could wish. Several regiments Of
e new troops, who were in action for the frss
y time behaved admirably. Hundreds Of