Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1862-06-27
Attounts of Gate Battles.
THE BATTLE NEAR RICHMOND.
CONFEDERATE ACCOUNT.
IcoPIED FROM THE CINCINNATI COMMERCIAL

From the Richmond Dispateh, June 2.
The terrific thunder storm of last Fri
day night led many to suppose that mill
tary operations on our lines would be re-
tarded for several days, and particularly
with those who were considered TO be au
fat with the Typographical nature of the
country on which our noble army was
stationed. With a volatile stream and
swamp in front, (the Chickahominy, } it
was thought that an attack was impossi
bic, or at least impracticable, either from
friend or foe, owing to the food of rain
which fell but on Saturday morning ear
ly our scouts reported that, during the
previous night, the enemy had convey
ed very heavy bodies of men across,
or in tile swamp, and that their retreat
or extraction was almost a matter of inn
possibility. Towards A. NJ, on Sa-
turday we observed large bodies of troops
of Longstreet's division moving towards
and on the Williamsburg road, with
bands in full blast, colors flying, and men
hilarious with delight, supposing, as was
the case, that the enemy were to retreat
or surrender.
Hastily proceeding down the road in
dicatcd, we found it almost impossible to
pass, owing to the immense bodies of
water lying along the route, together
with an unlimited supply of mud. From
Magruder's farm, and several miles fur
Their upon the turnpike, all seemed to be
an impossible swamp. How regiment
frou,rsal tba ,yr,,rr,l
seems even now almost problem. Yet
onward, onward passed Longstreet's di-
vision to the point of attack, and although
everything appeared unusually quiet,
there was peculiar stir and rumbling in
the woods and on the road, some six
mios, and in the woods fronting Barker S
plantation, which denoted that the enc
my were unusually active, and antici-
paftd our advance
Between 8 and 10 A. NJ, part of
Hills division was deployed as skirmish-
ers on the right and left of the road
which was soon replaced by the arrival
of Longstreets veterans Between II
and u A. NJ the 28th Georgia and %
Mississippi were employed as skirmishers
fronting the woods, and began the ad-
vance without much opposition, but as
they proceed along the turnpike, and in
the woods, the enemy, concealed behind
fence and in force, opened furious RI
fe FIRE, which, for a moment, caused our
brave boys to wink and staggcr. Yet,
recovering themselves in an instant, they
delivered a murderous volley in reply
and, with hearty cheers, dashed through
the woods after their discounted aud
frightened foe, driving them heller skel-
ter before them, and making many bite
the cold, wet aud muddy ground.
Observing the strength Of the enemy's
line in front, our commander ordered up
the 4th North Carolina. who, advancing
in force. broke through the % Mississip-
pi Battalion, in their hurried progress,
and divided the latter corps in such a
manner that. subsequently, their whole
force could not be again collected. Bril-
liant in conception and execution, the
fnoly-drilled North Carolinians Hanked
the enemy's dense line Of skirmishers,
and did such havoc by their fanking fire
that the enemy precipitately fell back
upon their unfinished bfeastwork in and
commanding the entrance to the grounds
Of Bankers farm. This breastwork, how
ever, is one of chain Of similar earth
works which the invaders have erected
this side Of the Chickahominy stream,
and, running parallel with it. are near
er to cur forces from the northwest than
the northeast, particularly so to those Of
ours stationed on the Mechanicsyille road.
Having arrived in open ground our
forces commenced to howl in fearful
manner, terrifying the enemy with their
indescribable sounds. The North Caro-
lima, regardless Of consequences, shu.their
eyes to the chances and attacked the
work in gallant style, being supported
by other regiments to the right and left
They gained their object, but it is said
we're unable to retain it, for the enemy's
large brass howitzcrs dealt destruction
among them, and it is reported they fell
back in admirable order until fresh troops
could be brought to bear upon the hordes
Of Pennsylvania who, in thousands, were
pouring volleys upon them. AT about
this time, ! p M, some other reinforce
meuts Of L0ngstreet's ps arriving,
turned the tide Of battle for time, but
not permanently. Among others, ST..
Paufs (Louisiana) battalion, three com
panies, appeared upon the scene, and
looking to where the fire was hottest,
dashed into tho enemy in French style,
with tho buyonet. and with their watch
word, "Butler," upon their lips, drove
everything before them, attacking odds
in every instance, and not satisfying their
vengeance until almost decimated.
Our artillery at this juncture came 10.
to play, and although the mud bafHed
human industry, patience and persever-
ance, some pieces Of the Lynchburg
ILatham's, we believe. battery got into