The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1862-07-23
City road before the eneny knew that We we're

City road before the eneny knew that We we're
moving.
We reached there about daylight, and soon
our pckets began 70 appear. They mad, through
some mistake, received no notice, and as soon as
they found they were alone, made q move 10
find us, and taink at this time all have 60, in
! When We reached tne road is Vas Gro = ded
but there was generally good order observed.
Many gave out and SAT down when they could go
no farther, and probably many such Are prison.
ers, as the wagons and amouisnces were mostly
ahead, and many regiments were away from their
brig AIDES On picket, and marched directly from
their posts to the road.
II Was generally supposed by the men at this
time, that We we're TO cross the river as soon as
il was reached, but after marching q few miles
We reached the open fields near the river, and
found our troops forming as fast as they came
in, and batteries placed to shell the woods a.
soon as our mrn we're all in.
kearney's division was rapidly formed and
marched around TO the right, taking position
facing the enemy. No sooner were We in posi-
ton than firing commenced directly in front of
Us in the woods.
Our batteries commenced work near US, " hch
soon brought response in the shape OF shell
and solid shot that struck all around US, killing
and ~oand;ss several in our brigade. Thas,
with the hot sun pouring down as We lay in the
wheat s,ubble, made is unpleasant, but some one
must be there and We happened to be the un-
lucky ones, though when We witnessed the terri.
bic Slaughter which followed We thought tha: we
had but Iittlo to complain of.
The musketry continued in terrible volleys
from both sides, which indicated that the enemy
we're both in large force and in earnest. Towards
night We were ordered TO the front with the n.
Y. 37th, and crossed the field, taking a position
to give the enemy q raking fire if they should
drive our men back 80 a. to come into the field
Soon q couple of batteries came up and CON-
meDced immediately throwing shell and grape
among the enemy, which with the infantry that
Was pouring down towards them On the left and
two or three batteries in another position, soon
drove back the grey jackets, aud as soon as they
had begun to retreat the infantry withdrew, and
all the batteries which were in position together
with one or two of the gunboats finished the
their heavily caissons.
After dark the scene was the grandess imagi-
nable. There was probably so cannon at time
throwing shot as fast As they could load and FIRE
Especially, the shell from the gunboats, looking
like large comits, was rather the most extensive
exhibition of fireworks that ever saw.
About this time Minnie ball, (of which there
we're many still dropping around US although We
could not hear gun,) struck one Of our compa
ny, Charles w. Leroy, who was lying near me
at the right of our company, and inflicted pain
full wound in his foot.
Another struck one Corporal Clapper, of Co.
l, killing him almost instantly. One or two 9th.
ers have been woundei slightly in our regiment,
but have not the names. Several in the brig
ade were killed and wounded during the day,
but it is impossible yet to give a correct list.
About o'clock on the morning of the I'd, we
o'clock after hard march in the rain which fell
in torrents. The reads we're bad, and the large
number of troops, together With the long trains,
made it slow work.
Large amounts Of property were destroyed,
many of the wagons getting fast and having to
throw away their loads in order to move to let
others get along, and as fast as the men began
to give out they would throw away clothing.
guns, provisions or anything to get along
These military strategies are somewhat played
1t of bo. h..
ing in retreat. and having to throw away so much
that must be paid for and more got to replace it,
And this is not the worst feature. Many of our
friends were left to fall into the hands of the en-
emy, and especially does it seem hard in the
case of the wounded.
| But if this rebellion can be crushed out BY
this terrible loss of life and property, and mer
still plenty who are willing to take the risk:
and lose their lives in any way that may seen
Necessary to carry out the purposes of the gov
ernment, and We can have Statesmen and Gene
rails who will conduct it in that way which shal
soon bring it to . certain close, We who are il
the field will not complain.
Our division is now camped in apleasant plac,
stay for time to recruit up and prepare for fu
ture operations.
Capt Whitney is sick at the hospital at For
tress Monroe, but writes me that he will 500
be back to join the company.
No mails have been received since We starte
from the rife pits until last night when they com
menced coming by the bag full, until nearly a
are supplied; that is, for day or two, but VI
shall look As anxiously as ever tomorrow 70
something more from home.
Yesterday salutes we're fred, bands played, an
We had quite celebration, though it lacked
good 4th Of July celebration and dinper.-br
We hope to be with you on the next.
n Yours, &C., II.
The Condition OF the Army.
The following dispatch was received on Satu
day Iulv 5.h at the Wa Dansrtynen from a