The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-06-10
The Battle of Richmond,

From the Rlchmond Dispatch we copy the fol-
lowing account of the battle near Richmond on
Saturday and Sunday, May 3lst and June lst
"The terrific thunder storm of Friday night the
3Oth led many to suppose that military operations
would be retarded for several days. With a swol-
len stream, the Chickahominy, and a swamp in
front, 1t was thought that attack by friend or
Zoe was impossible or impracticable, owing TO the
flood of rain which FELL but on Saturday mnrning
early our scouts reported that during the previous
night the enemy had conveyed heavy ls4iess Of
men across, or IL the swamp, and that their retreat
! or extrlcation was almost impossible. Towards 9
a. M. on Saturday 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, proved to be the ease, that the en-
envy were to be attacked in force and compelled to
retreat surrender.
Hastily proceeding down the road indicated, we
found it almost impossible to pass, owing to the
immense bodies of water lying along the route to-
gether with an unlimited supply Of mud From
Magruder's farm and several miles forward upon
the turnpike seemed to be an impossible swamp
How regiment after reg ment traversed the ground
seems even almost problem. Yet, onward,
onward passcd IIongstreet's division towards the
point Of attack and although everything seemed
unusually quiet, there peculiar stir and rumb-
ling in the woods and OH the road, (Somc miles,
and in the woods fronting Barker's plantation, J
which denoted tnat the enemy were unusually ac
tive and anticipated our advance.
Between and 10 n. M, n part of Gen. d. IL.
Hills division were deploycd skirmishers on
the right and left of the road. which were soon re-
placed by the arrival Of l.ongstrcct's veterans
[Th above statement s an error, as will be seen
in paragraph suhjoincd. Hills division had
driven the enemy from his position, had taken his
camp, baggage, stores, and seven pieces Of arti
lery, and WAS holding the ground against great
odds when LongstrcetS division arrived at or
| o'clock, p. IN
Between II and l. NJ the 2Sth Georgia and
I'd Mississippi were depIoycd skrmishcls front
ing the woods, and began the advance without
much oppositiou, but as they proceeded ulong the
turnpike and in the woods, the enemy, concealed
behind fence, opened furious rifle fire, which
for moment caused our brave boys to wink and
stag9er. Yet, recovering themselves in an in
slant, they delivered murderous yolley in reply,
and with hearty cheers dashed through the woods
after their discomlittcd and frightened fee, driving
them hctcr skcltcr before them and making many
bite the ground. Observing the strength Of the
enemys line in front, commander ordered up
the 18th North Carolina, who, advancing in force
broke through the I'd Mississippi battalion in their
hurried progress, and divided the latter corps in
manner that, subsequently, their whole force
could not be again collected Brilliant in concep-
tion and execution, the finely drilled North Caro-
linans hanked the enemy's dense line of skirmsh-
ers, and did such sad havoc by their hankiug fire
that the enemy preeptatcly fell back upon their
unfinished brcaStwurks in, and commanding the
entrance to, the extensive grounds Of Barkers
farm. This brcastwork, however, is but one Of
Lob, Of o;r,il, tbo
have erected this side Of the Chickahominy
stream, and running parallel with it, nearer 10
our forces from the n. ". than n. f., particu-
larly so to those of ours stationed the Mcchan-
csvie road.
Having arrived in open ground our forces COM
,.enced to howl in fearful manner, terrifying
the enemy with their indescribable sounds. The
4th North Caroliua, regardless Of consequences,
shut 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 were unable to retain
it, for the encmy's large brass howizers dealt de-
struction among them, and it is reported they fell
back in admirable order until fresh troops could
be brought to bear upon the hordes Of Pennsylva-
mans who in thousands, were pouring vOllics
upon them At about this time l p NJ, some
other reinforcemcnts of Longstrccts corps arriving
turned the tide of battle for time, but not per
manentIy. Among OthcrS 81 1'aul LA Oalldl-
ion, (thrce companies) appeared upon the scene,
and looking to where the fire was hottest, dashed
into the enemy in French style with the bayonet,
aud with their watch word Butler" upon their
lips, drove everything before them, attacking odds
in every instance, and not satisfying their ven
geance until almost decimatcd.
Our artillery at this juncture came into play,
and although the mud baffled human industry
patience, and perseverance, some pieces Of the
Lynchburg 1--WE believe Latham's) Battery got
into position, at the entrance to Barkers Farm
and played such havoc that the foe deserted their
four large brass howitZcrs, NJ a le to reply. But
as the cnemy's whole brigade clmp Gents and all
were vet standing-as Barkcrs house, ut-hou<es,
&c Law parallel to the road-and as very large
wood pile was at right angles with il, the en- my,
reinforced, crowded their brya,f-work4 and from
all those points kept lup such te rife fire,
that men, appearing from the wood and on the
road, were cut down fast rs discovered. No
thing daunted at the immense show and numbers
of the foe, notwithstanding artillery, from the
nature of the roads and ground. incapable Of
advancing, our infantry appeared upon their Hanks,
regiment after regiment, drove them from their
hiding places captured their guns, fortfcatlons,
and entire camp with great supplies, and drove
the fee two miles beyond their encampment OF
the morning.
The greatest and hottest fire about +. NJ,
when Lathan's and Carriers batteries got INTO
action supported by the 4th aud 9th D Carolina,
lst Virginia, II Mississippi, and other regiments.
Having many vauables in camp, and it being
I ~, nlYYd1