Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1862-04-11

on the field, until night closed on the blooiy
scene, there was no determination Of the re-
suit Of the struggle,
The rebels exhibited remarkably good gen.
eralship. At times engaging the left with
apparently their whole strength, they would
suddenly open o terrible and destructive Ere
on the right or centre. Even our heaviest
and most destructive FIRE upon the enemy did
not appear to discourage their solid columns,
The fire of Major Taylor's Chicago artillery
raked them down in scores, but the smoke
would no sooner b. dispersed than the breach
would again be filed.
Tie most desperate fighting took place in
the afternoon. The rebels knew that if they
did not succeed in whipping us then that
their chances of success would be extremely
doubtful. as portion of Gen. Buells forces
had by this time arrived on the opposite side
Of the river, and another portion was com
ing up the river from Savannah
They became aware that we were being re-
inforced as ehey coul see Gen Buells troops
from the river bank, a short distance above
us on the left, to which point they had forced
their way.
At o'clock the rebels had forced our left
wing back 50 as to occupy fully two thirds
of our camp, and were fighting their way
forward with desperate degree Of confidence
IN their efbrts to drive u. into the river, and
at the same time heavily engaged our right.
Up to this time we had received no REIN
iorcements Gen. Lew Wallace failing to
come to our support until the day was over,
and having taken the wrong road from
Crumps landing and being without other
flar - ITO
tiers and c)mmissary stores which were too
heavily laden to ferry any considerable mum.
bcr Of Gen. Buell's forces across the river
those that were here having been sent to
bring up the troops TO Savannah, we were
therefore, c9nten ling against fearful odds.
Oar forces did not exceed IS 200 men,
while that Of the enemy was upwards Of
1000 Oar condition at this moment was
extremely critical, as large numbers of our
men were panic struck while others were
worn out by hard fighting, with the average
per ccntrge Of sAuikcrs, who had struggled
towards the river, and could not be rallied
Gen. Grant and staff, who had been reckless
~ riding along tie lines, during the entire
day, amid an unceasing storm Of bullets,
grape and she'll, now rode from right to lett,
melting the mca to stand firm. until our re-
inforccmrutS could or - the river.
Col. Webster. Chlei-ol-Staif. Immediately
s9t into position the heaviest piece. Of artiI
lery, pointing on the enemy right, while a
large number OF bat;crir- vare planted along
the entire line from Ea#r bank north
west, to our extreme right, two and a half
miles distant
About an hour before dusk general can
nonadlns Vas opened upon the enemy from
along our whole line, with q perpetual crack
Of musketry. Such a roar OF artillery was
never heard on ihis continent Fer short
time the rebels replied with yisor and effect,
hut their return shots grew les frequent and
destructive, whie ours grew more rapid and
terrible. t,unbaAts lexington aud Tyler,
which lay short distance of, kept RAINING
she'll On the rcl-l hurl-s
rAis list Effort was to much for the enc
my aud ere tia,a had >et in the FIRM. had
nearly ceased. when night coming On all CON-
b1tan;s rested from the awful work Of blood
and cIrua e.
oar men rested on their arms IN ,he p 81
i!1n they had at the close Of the fight, TN
I'll the t5rcs under Maj Ten Wallace ar
riyrd and tek position On tic right aui
ten. BueAs forces from the=artssi>c SIDE II
the savannah were now being COW we'd to
tie battle ground.
Toe entTe right Of Gen. Wilson's division
was ordered II form on the right. and the
forces under zen. Crittcniea wire r!ered 10
his sdVp1Ft early in the morning.