The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-04-18

tlemen would not insult them, their only
fear being from stragglers. The Union
army bivouacked in the rebel camp "Mis>
ery," preparatory to an early start.
THE MARCH TO YORKTOWN. .
The army, under the immediate command
of Gen. Mcclellan, left camp at daylight on
Sunday. the advance being as far as Cocks
eysville. Soon after starting the heavens
became black with large heavy clouds, CIV
ing evidence that we were to march through
heavy shower of rain. Very soon it be-
gan to rain, flooding the especially
those through the woods--so as to be all
most impossible. The infantry pushed on,
overcoming all obstacles. The cavalry and
artillery dashed on pell-mell through, all
anxious to get ahead. Gen. Mcclellan and
staff were but short distance between the
advance.
At about 10 o'clock on the morning of
the 5th the booming of the first gun WAS
heard. 1t electrified the whole line. Over
coats, blankets, haversacks, &c, were
thrown away by the anxious soldiers, each
regiment vieiDg with the other to be the
first in. The roads became terrible for los
comotion the further we advanced; mud
holes, ruts, sloughs, &C., seemed to 60 far
towards making up the road.
THE LINE OF BATTLE FORMED.
The line of battle was formed about ten
O'Clock, Berdans Sharpshootes in the ad-
vance. AS the various columns arrived on
the ground they at once began to take their
respective positions. Gen. Porters divis-
ion has the centre, Gen. Sedgwick the ex
treme right, Gen. Hamilton and General
Smith the extreme left.
A heavy pine forest intercepted the
troops, except occasional cleariDgs. which
gave a distinct view of the enemy's entrench.
ments. These entrenchments seemed to be
of the first class style, and mounted with
heavy guns, supposed to have come from
the Norfolk navy yard.
Soon after the firing commenced the enc.
my recognized Gen. Porter and staff, and
at once opened upon him with shell, one of
which burst within twenty feet of the Gens
eral. Col. Averill, of the Third Pennsyl
vania cavalry, also made very narrow es.
cape.
The light was carried on almost entirely
with artillery, with the exception of Ber.
dams Sharpshooters. Weeden's battery
opened first, followed by Martins on the
left. Soon Grifin's Third Rhode Island
and Fifth Massachusetts were in position,
and the battle commenced in earnest. The
discharges were rapid on the Union side,
answered at intervals by the enemy.
The first man struck was J. Reynolds of
the Rhode Island battery. Poor fellow, he
was struck with a piece of shell. Two of
Colonel Sam Blacks men were next hit by
a round shot-a hirty-two-teariDg the
knapsack off one man. One was wounded
slightly while the other was mortally
wounded.
The heaviest firing commenced at half
past twelve; MOrell's brigade on the left,
advanced within three quarters of mile OF
the entrenched enemy.
The sharpshOOters, with their telescope
rifles, kept the enemy away from their guns.
They crept within half mile of the rebels.
For one hour they did not reply, our sharp
shooters popping them off as soon as they
attempted to load.
At one O'Clock Captain Martins battery
had two men killed, five wounded, and
three horses dead. The two men killed
were named Lewis asd Lord.
Three of Berdan's Sharpshooters were at
this time wounded ard one kiIled-a man
from New Hampshire. He was shot
through the forehead by musket ball.
Lieutenant Colonel Ripley killed the man
who shot him, thus avenging his death
Mr.. Way, of Company G., (Berdan's) was
shot in the arm, bad flesh wound 4; Corpo-
raj Pecb, shot in the leg Mr.. Wilcox, OF
company G, bruised by she'll.
About seven o'clock Aliens 5th Massa.
chusetts relieved the 4th Rhode Island, the
rebels all day, when opportunity offered,
trying to shell out the sharpshooters, with
out avail. GrifiD's battery received no
loss, although batteries at their side lost
several.
During the day the rebels fred small
piece of ordnance. of one inch bore, rifed,
at the Berdans.
After Griffth's battery was brought into
action it silenced three guns of the rebels.
The artilerists acted nob'y during the
whole engagement. They took their posi-
tion and maintained it until ordered to
move.
DR.. Il. Phelps, company Fl, Berdan's
sharpshooters, was brought in about dusk,
wounded jn the shoulder by piece OF she'll.
Butter6eld's and Martindales brigades
acted nobly during the day. Both reclining
on their arms within range of the enemy's
guns throughout the day.
Heavy firing closed with the day, but
during the night the pickets occasionally
could be heard banging away, far in the ad.
vance.
SECOND DAY.
The most important feature Of the day
has been the balloon ascension, which, in
point of Importance to the Government, has