Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-07-11


bridge, on the Chickahominy, is Long
bridge. To prevent the rebels from cros-
sing there and attacking our left flank,
Smith was instructed to take position on
the Long bridge road. Next to him, hook
ing south toward James river, was Sum-
ner's corps Of Richardson's and Sedgwicks.
Still beyond was Heinsleman's corps, Kear-
ney Hooker's, Slocum and McCall-the
last two in reserve. The line was almost
three miles long-sufsciently extended to
cover all the roads running east from Rich
mond, south Of the swamp.
To get comprehensive view, select =
point on James river, about ten miles below
City Point-Har landing. Three roads
from Richmond partially converge at the
place.
1t is Monday afternoon, and the head of
Keyes' division has reached the locality,
and you see the interminable trains reach
sp towsrd Richmond ana beyond AL the
divisions mentioned, spread out lik. fan.
The enemy came down all the roads in great
force. 1t was about two o'clock in the aE
ter noon. Placing his artillery in effective
positions, the enemy opened FIRST upon Sum-
ner, but occasionally sending she'll over the
heads of the division at the wagon trains, 10
create stampede among the teaHstes.-
But the guards kept cool and prevented any
disorder. After an hours cannonade, con-
Quoted with great spirit on both sides, the
edemy adopted new kind 'of tactics-an
attack on both tanks at once. II WAS made
against Sedgwick and Richardson, and was
pressed SO hard that Slocum was ordered
up from the reserve. The infantry action
lasted from halfpast three to six. 1t was
brave eight on the part of our exhausted
troops. They held the ground and repulsed
the enemy.
1: was an obstinate, bloody fght. These
divisions have been so often in action that
they know what it is to fight. The enemy
were not in sufficient force to attack Smith.
They made demonstration, but the Green
Mountain boys were called upon and quick
ly settled the matter by driving the enemy
/ out of sight in that quarter.
BLOODY BATTLE.
4 Heintzelman, as have said, was on tn
road furthest over toward James river
Early in the afternoon the enemy, in stron
force, appeared, opening with artillery, an
advancing division after division 'ofinfantr
in solid snassaa. lie resisteA bsasely, n
was compelled 10 fall back to new pos
tion. The enemy followed, emplying b
old tactics of hurting masses of men, no,
upon the right, now upon the left, and no,
suddenly in the centre. He held his groun
unaded till s o'clock. His ranks were ter
lribly thinned, and he was compelled tobrin.
up Mccall once more. His division hac
been in nearly all the fights. 1t was worr
out. But with hearts as true as steel they
responded to the order. Simultaneously up
on their advance came fresh troops from
Richmond, and loud and terrific as at any
time during the six days fighting roared the
contest. But the masses of the enemy rol-
lod along the road. Their leaders had no
care for saving life. This was war-a
strife for mastery. 1t was their determina-
ton TO win, no matter what it cost. They
rushed en- impetueusly. charged upon our
batteries, captured RendaIs and took q
large number Of prisoners. Here the brave
and efficient commander Of the corps, Gen.
eral Mccall, went down at the head Of his
troops, supposed to be badly wounded. A
score of officers fell. The lines gave way
1t was critical moment. Now or never
was brave work to be done. Now or never
was the army to be saved. All hearts fell
it. An hands were ready. Men lived age
in those moments. O you who live far a
way among peaceful valleys on sunney hill
sides, with smiling children at your feet
reading this tame account, cannot know thc
thrill which brave men feel when the heart
wells up from its immost depths to dare all
to do all that God has given to save defeat
Untutored men lock with clearest visions il
such moments down the future ages. They
see, they feel that uncounted millions arr
beckoning them to do their duty now They
are great moments
Sedgwick came. Hooker and Kearne,
csme-Hooker with the I'd New Hampshir
and Ist and 1Ith Massachusetts Kearne,
with the life and blood of New Jersey
brave men all of them. They rallied 70
desprate charge-one which has determi
nation in it, when every man feels that h
stands at the gateway of centuries, as LIE
onidas stood at Thermopyl@. Twenty
four cannon additional were brought up
The united divisions, firm and unyieldin:
as the granite of their native mountains
moved to the charge-onward, right on
ward, unheeding death or lifel They cam
upon the enemy ike thunderbolt, bor
down the living masses in front as if the,
we're automaions, sent them flying over th'
field, and captured twelve pieces of artillery
one brigade, including three regiments; ais
I IL 4 z...-.ona battalion onf