The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-06-11
THE BATTLE NEAR UNION CHURCH.


General FrcmOnt's Report OF the Battle.
HEADQUARTERS Army The FIELD,
CAMP NEAR PORT REpuBLrc, June e-9 A. M
To Z. NJ. STANTON, Secretary OF War
The army left Ha-rsonburg At six O'Clock this morn
ng, and half-past eight my advance engaged the
rebels about seven miles from that place near Union
Church.
The enemy was very advan tagsousy posted in tho
timber, having chosen his position, forming a
smaller circle than and with his troops formed
masse 1t consisted undoubtedly Of Jacksons entire
force.
The battle began with heavy firing eleven o'clock
and lasted with great obstnacy and violence until four
O'Clock in tho afternoon, skrmshing and artillery
firing continuing from that time uutil dark.
Our troops fought occasionally under the murderous
re greatly superior numbers the hottest Of the small
fire being thu left wing, which was he'd by
stahls brigade, consisting Of nve regiments.
Tho bayoaet and canister shot were used freely and
with great effect by men.
The loss both sides Is very great. Ours Is very
heavy among the officers. full reporl OF those who
distinguished themselves will be made without partaty
desire say that both officers and behaved with
splendid gallantry that tho service Of the artillery
especially admirable.
wo are sncamped the field OF batts, and the fight
may bs renewed at any moment.
J. C. FREMONT, Major General
Details OF the Engagement.
FREMoNr's HgApQuATERs BATTLE FED Eight
NILES BEYOND HARRsoNRuRG, Va, June 8, 1862.
General Fremont has overtaken the enemy, Of whom
he has been in pursuit for week. forced him to fight
and has driven him from his chosen position with heavy
loss.
He ert Harrsonburg this morning six O'Clock, ana
advanced pursuit Of jackson by the road leading TO
Port Republic
I'm fho aft If he turn O m
beyond arrsonburg the advanced guard discovered tho
enemy posted in the woods the left and 'front.' ap
pareHtly in force.
Artillery was sent to the front and commenced sheag
without clicitng any reply.
Jackson at last having been forced to make a stand
with his whole army, had completely masked his posi-
tion in woods and ravines shirmishers and cavalry
sent forward The whole column rapidly came up
aud the line of battle, extending nearly two miles,
promptly formed, under direction OF Colonel Albert
chief OF the staG. Before IL was completed General
sahI with the Garibaldi Guard became engaged with
the enemy the extreme right and forced him to fall
back
AT halfpast twelve general advance ordered, and
he whole line moved forward General Milroy had the
centre, General Schenck the right and General stahl
with all his brigade, except the Garihald Guard, the
front. General Blcnkers, General Bohens and Colonel
stsinwiasktcr's brigadss composed the reserve
The line moved down the slopes OF three bills into the
valley and up the opposite asccns which at the sammits
were covered with woods In these woods and in belts
and in the heavy timber beyond the enemy posted
Gen. stahl the left first engaged. Gems. Mlroy
and schenck found the enemy after and the battle
almost Immediately became general. Cen. Stahl, after
schrvensrs battery had shcIled the rebel position, ad-
vanccd the Eighth New York and Fortydfth New York
through the woods into the open field the other side
of which the enemy's right wing concealed In tho
woods The Eighth advanced galanty under a heavy
nre but being SO long unsupported by the Forty nth
and largely outAumbered, finally forced to retire
Colonel Mitchell severely wounded, and the whole
regiment badly cut up, losing not less than 400 moro
than half its strength.
Tho enemy's pursuit was checked by artillery, and
General stshl finally withdrew his brigade TO stronger
position, repusing a faux movement. and holding his
wing frmly.