Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1862-07-11
THE WAR OF SUBJ
THE BATTLES ON FRID-4 Y AND SAT
URDAY.
GLORIOUS SUCCESSION OF CONFED-
ERArE VICTORIES.

The right wing of the enemy having been
driven from its advanced positions, near Me-
cnanicsvilie, on Friday morning, fell back ups
on its stronger works in the direction OF the
Centre Gun. Slonewai Jacks was bearing
down upon them with lrviEclbie energy, sup
ported in front by Gen. A. Hills Division,
When Longstreet's Division was ordered, about
four O'CLOCK III the afternoon, down the north
bank of the Chickahominy, TO follow up the ad-
vance OF Hlns DIVISION Oh the main batteries
ot the enemy at the mill beyond Gaines cross
roads. The Division (Longstreet's,) halted by
the Chick at ominy, and Gen. Pickett's Brigade
MAS detached as an advance to support Gen.
lllil's assault, tue latter being then engaged III
"a terrific fight ia front Of the works in view.
Upon reaching the scene. PICK etts brigade was
uruered to support battery which was then
playing upon the enemy, who were returning
!, not tire upon Gen. Hill left. The brigade
WAS then ordered to charge Which being accom-
plisned, resulted i'll the repulse of the enemy.
An Alabama and Mississippi regiment came
up to the support Of the brigade, when the lat
Ser were ordered to fall !; she Alabaulals and
M,ssissippials then charged oyer them upon
the eneiny, aud the brigade rose agaln and toll
lowed
The charge now became desperate, and new.
er we're such harrassing difficulties encountered
aud successfully overcome. Our men found
themselves suddenly charging upon the enemy
in dense woods, forming portion Of an ex-
tensiy- swamp, which presented somewhat the
appearance Vt the pit ot u theatre, surrounded
by ditch five teet wide by five feet deep,
while ON the opposite side, the mud ut the marsh
WAS knee deep, over winch arose the hull, upon
which the enemys batteries were placed. At
the foot of the hill the el.s ny had erected Far
terre ci infantry works, and another 1T the top
overlooking it, and also one on the edge OF q ra
vine on the LETT OF The brow OF the hill "A bat
tery stationed III the raviue, while three
Others, IN two tiers ribbed the front Of the
hall, the whole presenting fire upon our forces
which told with terrible effect.
But our troops rushed on, crossed the sw amp
the field officers having dlsnoun:ed from their
horsess it beng impossible to carry them on,
aud charged upon the foremost batteries In
the first essay the pickets aud brigade were re-
pulsed i'll the second they paused and laid
down. The 4th Texas, and several North and
South CarOlina reg iments came up the rest OF
tiill's division was pressing On, and Long
streets was rapidly approaching the scene OF
conflict. The third charge was made, and the
battery was taken. The number engaged in
this charge was not more than 500 while that
OF the enemy on the ground numbered about
10000, com prsing Gen. Porter's Division.
Our supports now came up, and secured the
Possession OF the hill, capturing many prison,
ers. The enemy cavalry made an attempt to
retake the position, but we're repulsed, and fed
precipitately- As our troops gained the brow
of the hill Gen. Jackson appeared on our LETT,
about four hRndred yards off, just om3leting
his irresistible storm on the enemy's right
flank, aud aiding materially in securing the po-
sisoa then ia the possession Of our forces.
The general engagement, closing with this bril-
liant finale, brought into the field 10000 Con
sederasss and some fifty thousand Fede
sails.
Css speoay was pursaed for some dislAspecs