The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1862-06-20

had extended itself on the right, until his
left rested 10 front and in advance of the
first position Of his right, his line being
swung round at right angles with the crest
of the bill, and Burne's two regiments exc.
cutting the order of Sedgwick, found them.
selves tapping over Gorman's extreme right;
the enemy was fighting perpendicular to
our front.
The officers were all in their places, ami.
mating and encouraging the men by their
example, and the men moving unainchingIy
toward the foe. Dana, on the left, mar.
rowly escaped death. His dashing grey re.
ceived bullet in his crest, which he cast off
with snort of despair. The next instant
tnree balls struck him in the body. Rear
ing and plunging with convulsive agony, he
d.mounted his rider, fled frantically up the
tield, and fell dead 10 front of Kirby's bat
tery. Gorman was moving up and down his
glorious line, exhibiting fiery enthusiasm,
and enjoying the proudest hours of his life.
The men were delivering their fire with adj
mlrable GOODNESS and regularity, and With
quick, nervous energy, which indicated
their determination to decide the conflict.
The enemy, too, fought rapidly and we'll.
Sedgwick was gallantly moving to the right
and left, reckless of personal hazard and
Burns held his forces firmly in hand on the
right, waiting the decisive moment. The
sun bad set grimly, finging his last rays
feebly through the thick smoke which hov.
cred over field and forest. Darkness had
enveloped the fearful spectacle, only to add
gloom to its horrors. The enemy still
cuDg in masses to the thick woods, now
and then dashing out at the battery, only to
be driven back with cruel punishment.
Thousands of muskets in streaming volleys,
with the sonorous roar of cannon and the
hoarse screams of the combatants, created
an uproar as if fends had been unleashed to
prey upon each other. Storms of bullets
and canister tore wide passages through the
trees and mangled the bodies of men. Bale.
ful fires CLEANED among the foliage, as if
myriads of huge fire flies were fitting
among the boughs and there wes fringe
of fame blazing on the skirts of the thick
cts, while outside another and fercer
flame, girdling the center, seemed burning
into the hedge which screened our enemy.
It was past eight o'clock before the car
mage ceased. Knowing that the foe was in
superior force and menacing our flank, we
we're compelled to meet his point of attack
without attempting to envelope him with
our wings; but finding our steady lines in-
vulnerable, and having suffered wretchedly,
he finally fell back and by halfpast eight
o'clock he was driven clear back to his own
defensive line.
REVIEW.
1t was furious fight. Save DoneIson
and Shiloh there has been no such battle on
this continent. 1t begun in disgrace, with
every advantage and condition favoring the
enemy. 1t ended that day with severe
repulse to him. But he was corsoled for
his disappointment aud serious casualties BY
the spoils of Casey's and COUGHS Camps.
From the former be took six pieces of ar.
tillery-his ammunition, camp equipage,
many standards, in fact all bis army furni-
ture; and from Couch be took one gun and
his camp eqaipage. On Sunday morning,
the cannon and flags were triumphantly
paraded through the streets of Richmond.
Our loss Of men was very heavy, but the
casualties of the enemy were equally large.
But it is impossible to ascertain the loss of
either side until the official reports are
made. One thousand will fully cover the
Ioss of Sedgwick's division, of whom nine.
tenths were wounded. Capt. Achuf. of the
l06th Pennsylvania, Capt: Markoe, 1st
California, Lieut. CANDLES, and Gen. Burns,
eud Lieut.. Donelson, of the lst California,
were the oDly officers wounded.
The splendid conduct of the Division
ELECTED the plaudits of the army. General
Sumner held bis troops we'll in hand; Sedg-
wick exhibited perfect coolnees and courage;
German was as enthusiastic as boy and
firm as rock; Burns quick judgment and
admirable conduct at the most critical
moment of action. undoubtedly had an
inspiring influence, and it was acknowledged
with frenzied acclamations by the stout
regiments wherever be exhibited himself.
No more could have been asked of Dana.
He proved himself fearless soldier. Cap
tain Sedgwick, assistant adjutant general to
General Sedgwick, and Lieut.. Howe, his
aide ~de.camp; Capt. Hicks, A. A. G. to
General Burns, and Lieuts. Blakeney and
Camblos, and in fact, all the officers engaged,
galIantly. Lieut.. Camblos, one of my mess
mates, received severe scalp wound, but
will soon be able to resume duty. He said
that when he WAS struck be thought he had
run against tree. Well he might. Col.
John Cochrane, Col Neill, Col. Sully, Col.
Suiter, and indeed nearly every field officer
in all the Divisions engaged, excepting
Cssey's, showed themselves good soldiers
and brave officers.
COLONEL, stIIY CAPrrREs AN OLD COMpAnE
Among other incidents Of that field, Col.
Sully of the First Minnesota, relates the
following: Lieutenant Colonel Long of the
22d North Carolina, got separated from his
regiment at dask, ard while seeking bis way
from the field, he acccsted some soldiers of
the First Minnesota, asking the designation
of the regiment. Not recognizing bis uni
form they answered correctly. Misunder-
standing them, he advanced, when his
uniform was observed to be that of a rebel
and he was taken prisoner. He explained