The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1862-07-12
THR FIGHTING BEFORE R1cHuoND.

THR FIGHTING BEFORE RICHMOND.
The first days fighting consisted of al
advance of Gen. McClellan's pickets in sh.
face of a sharp and CALLING fire from thu
enemy, an account Of which we published
in our last issue.
Second Days Fghting-Thursday, June
26th, about noon the enemy made IN
attack upon General Stoneman's forces in
vicinity of Hanover Court House, probably
for the purpose of accomplishing an out
fanking movement on the right, and to
engage attention in that direction. Shortly
afterwards they commenced vigorous can.
nonading from their works on an emiuence
opposite Mechanicsville, about one and q
half miles distant; also from two batteries,
one above and the other below. They were
replied to by CampbelPs Pennsylvania bat.
terry, on picket duty, one on the Mechanics.
vile road and another at the right of a
grove from behind earthworks. About two
o'clock in the afternoon the enemy's infant.
~ and squadrons Of cavalry crossed the
Chickahominy in in immense force q short
distance above the Virginia Central Rail
road, making rapid advance towards Gen.
McCalPs division, who we're entrenched on
a billy woodland across swampy ravine,
about mile in the rear of Mechanicsville.
The LIST Pennsylvania rifles, Bucktails, and
Campbelps Pennsylvania battery, were on
picket duty, all of whom, except one COM
pany, fell back behind the breastxorks and
rifle pits, where a line of battle was drawn
up. Company K of the Bucktails, who
were on picket duty beyond the railroad,
were surrounded by the enemy, and the
last known of them they were trying to cut
their way through. 1t is presumed the
greater portion were taken prisoners. The
enemy advanced down at the rear of Me-
chanicsville, on a low, marshy ground, to
where our forces were drawn up behind
earthworks and rife pits, on the northerly
side Of the rayine, when the conflict became
most terrible. The rebels, with the most
determined courage, attempted to pass for
ward, over miry ground, but the bullets and
grapeshot fell among them like bail, moving
them down. This continued until dark,
when they withdrew. The cannonading
was kept up on both sides until nine P. NJ,
when the battle ceased. Our forces were
covered by earthworks, and suffered but
slightly.
Late in the afternoon the enemy made
charge with cavalry. About hundred of
them came rushing down aud attempting to
cross the ravine mired; squadron Of our
cavalay seeing their position made charge
down the hill, when the cavalry men aban-
doned their horses and fed. The infantry
fight was then renewed, and according to
the statement of my informant, Surgeon
Of the Pennsylvania Bucktails,
until about 9 o'clock, A. NJ,
when retreat was ordered, very much
against the will of the Pennsylvania boys,
who begged to be allowed to hold their
position. The entire forces then began to
Fall back. Porter's corps were some dis
lance below DR.. Gaines residence.
Third Day.-Of Fridays battle the
says the cannonading and
nusketry was terrific. Duryea's gallant
zouaves were lying upon the ground for two
hours while our batteries were shelling the
Soods near them. Finally towards night
;bo enemy attempted to break the centre
inc in front of Duryea's Zouaves, and the
nusketry firing became terrific. lasting 20
,r 80 minutes. Shortly afterwards an
attempt was made to break through the
light, which was repulsed, and half an hour
afterwards another attempt was made on
he left with the same result. The battle
lad then been raging for some hours with
'ut any apparent change or advantage on
:ither side. Reinforcements of artillery
md infantry then came steadily along over
he bridge to the field of battle. The
nemy then seemed to make their last des-
,erate and determined stand, and came on,
orcing our men back into the low ground
,etween the bill and the bridge, where
hey could have been slaughtered by tens
f thousands before they could have crossed
bat long narrow bridge. Wagons, artillery
mbulances and men, were hurrying toward
be bridge and panic was almost inevita-
lie, when strong guard was placed across
he bridge at the came time when the
nemy had almost reached the main hospital
alf mile from the river, Thomas Francis
Ieagher's Irishmen came over the hill,
tripped to the bare arms, and we're ordered
D 60 in. They gave a yell and went to
1ork, and the result was the enemy fell
ack to the woods, and thus matters stood
p to ten o'clock yesterday, Sunday, morn
'g.
At dark an attack was made along the
'ont Of the entire line, and was renewed :
two A. NJ, in front of Gems. Hooker,
carney, and Sumner, without material
esult. I
Another corresnnndent aaxa of EridaY's [