The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-05-24

The Brilliant Battle OF VILLA msburg.
The battle of Williamsburg must become
historical. OF all our battles it was the best
contested and the hardest won. The opposing
forces engaged were very nearly equal. In
fantry, cavalry and artillery did each its share
of the work. The losses upon both sides
equalled those Of the Allies and Russians at
the terrible battle of Alma The whole con-
test demonstrated the superiority Of American
soldiers, who are officers and privates at once,
| over the unintelligent troops of other coun-
| tries. The result proved the wisdom of McClel-
lans long discipline of his army The severity
OF the conflict; the iuctuating fortunes OF the
day; the unriyaled bravery of our troops; the
desperate valor of the rebels; the continual ar
rivals of achievements upon both sides; the
daring charges; the determined and steady re-
sistances; the skilful maneuvres and evolu
tons, and the final, irresistible dash of Han
cocks brigade, make up narrative matchless
in its thrilling interest In this morn
ings issue we place before our readers
. full report Of this brilliant battle, IL
Illustrated by maps and diagrams, and followed
by long lists of the killed, wounded and miss
contest. As no complete record Of the battle
has before appeared, our report will be interest
ing as matter Of news; but it is still more
valuable as matter of history. In clear, con-
else narration, graphic and vivid description
| minute accuracy of details and calm and inn
partial statement, it will be found unrivalled
by any report of any modern battle.
On the morning of the evacuation ofNYork-
town, General Stoneman, with his corps of
cavalry, pursued and harassed the retreating
enemy. The infantry followed closely, and
during dreadful storm Of rain, with no shell
ter, fires or food, our army bivouacked that
night before the line of rebel intrenchments
which defended williamsburg. The next
morning, at halfpast seven o'clock, our
forces advanced to the attack. They
were located in an immense forest,
beyond which was space mile wide, cleared
by telling the trees so as to obstruct our pro-
gress and give free range to the rebel artillery.
This was the battle field, to which our troops
approached by three converging roads. On the
opposite side of this cleared space was the rebel
Fort Magruder, its crest half q mile long,
| fanked by redoubts, and defended in front by
rifle pits. The day was stormy and dismal. The
| rain fell in torrents, as if nature were weeping
over the coming contest. The scene was set,
the stage cleared, and the actors began their
work. The First Massachusetts, deployed in
| front Of our lines as skirmishers The Second
| New Hampshire cleared the edge of the forest
of the enemy's sharpshooters. Our artillery
opened upon the rebel fort, which replied with
| terrific effect, but which was silenced before
| nine O'Clock, and did not again resume until
late in the afternoon. Regiment by regiment
formed in line Of battle. The fuslade of mus
kerry and the roar of artillery became general,
and the play at last fairly began.
The battle was succession of desperate
charges. Our troops attacked and were at
tackled in turn. Rifle pits, redoubts and bat
| teries were captured and recaptured. The
enemys plan ofbattle was to turn our left flank.
| Our troops, under General Patterson, firmly re-
sisted this endeavor, beating back the enemy,
holding their ground against the enemy's rein
| forcements, and only retiring to obtain ammu-
milton and retake the position they had left.
| On our right centre the forces of General
Hooker held the enemy firmly in check, but
against such odds that Gen. Hooker sent to Gen.
| Heintzelman for reinforcements, which were
| supplied from Peck's brigade. On our ex-
| IRENE right Hancock's brigade pushed for
ward and captured two intrenchments. Heint-
zelmans and Summers corps were now joined
| in line Of battle, and our entire front seemed
| o sheet of living flame, SO rapid and incessant
| were the discharges of cannon and musketry.
The rebel line was equally busy at work. Bri-
| gade after brigade, recalled from Johnston's
| retreating army, swelled their ranks and
animated their courage. The forts and re-
| the rebel advance. The rain beat heavily upon
the field like storm Of hail. The branches
and tops Of trees, Topped off by balls, crashed
| down upon our soldiers The ground was deep
with mud and red with gore. The shrieks OF
| the wounded and dying rang out terribly
shrill above the thunders Of artillery. Our
soldiers, wearied and outnumbered. began to
give ground slowly, fighting to the last, but
| still hoping for reinforcements and victory.
Our ammunition was exhausted. The felled
trees made advance or retreat equally danger.
| Gus, and to remain was destruction. Nothing
| saved us from another Bull run at this critical
moment but the splendid discipline Of our
troops, whom General Mcclellan had prepared
| for such crises, and to whom he had promised
| certain victories.
| At last gallant Kearney's brigade came to
Heintzelman's assistance. They, as well as tho
whole line, were fatigued and dispirited, how
ever. Heintzelman saw this, and dashed up
and down the field like mailman, collecting
scattered musicians from the regimental bands.
In a moment the triumphant notes Of the "Star
| Spangled Banner" drowned oil shreks and
groans The effect was magical. Onr wounded
! mon ioined in tremendous cheers The