Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-07-05
OPENING OF THE GREAT BATTLE
EEeary Engagement os me Eeff of Oar
EEaes.

From the Richmond Dispatch, June q.
Our city was startled late yesterday evening
by reports Of heavy ordnance, and by one con-
sent it was universally announced that the great
battle had at last opened, and that the greatest
and most momentous conflict of the age was
fully inaugurated. AS far as we can ascertain,
at a late hour of night, it appears that our forces
attacked the enemy with unparalleled fury at
Me~chanicsYille, and from the suddenness of the
attack, the enemy were totally non-plussed and
driven from three large redoubts in rapid sue
c@ession, Selling the guns and turning them with
terrific effect upon the foe.
This accomplished, our forces advanced and
captured two lines of intrenchments and field
work, taking everything before them in gallant
style. Cooperating with the movements on the
extreme right and rear of the enemy, our gener-
erals crossed the Chiekahomiuy at two points,
viz: by the Mechanicsville bridge and Meadow
bridge, attacking the enemy with great dash and
ardor, driving in their outposts, and ascending
the opposite hills, seized the batteries erected
thereon, and fully commanding the future move
mentS of our forces in crossing the stream. In
doing this, the rapidity of movement was such
that the enemy was unprepared, and lest a mon
ster battery, which has long annoyed our troops
to the right and left Of the York River railroad.
This achievement in itself IS of incalculable
value, and is equivalent to the saving of five
thousand lives. Gen. Branch, we understand,
led the advance down the Meadow Bridge road
with a brigade of North Carolinians, and on
crossing, were instantly reinforced by other
troops of Gen. Hills division. The numerous
feld-works and batteries opposed to their ad-
vance were assailed by our men in the coolest
aud most nonchalant style imaginable, and while
driving the heavy masses of Federal infantry
before them, were ably seconded by our heavy
guns, which, laundering with terrific noise,
threw large shells thick and fast upon the enc
my's chosen positions and camps, thus prevent
ing our first forces from being o-verpoWered by
the swsrming hordes of McClellan's hirelings.
While these brilliant movements were pro-
crossing in the neighboThood of Meadow
Bridge, our troops beyond the Mechanicsville
bridge formed a junction with them, thus form
ing a perfect Gordon with others operating from
the village of M~echanicsville itself. Our line
being perfect a general advance took place, but
the brave Confederates had not progressed far
ere they were encountered by the Federals in
great force, and a terrific fight ensued; but on
ward pressed our infantry and artillery, until at
8 P. NJ, when the heavy c~annonading ceased, il
was generally known that the enemy had been
driven fully three miles, having experienced
great loss in every shape, but particularly in ar
tillery.
PurceI's battery, we are informed, immortal
l2eu l5SI3 anu was Lue Hist corps tnat crossed /
Meehanicsville bridge and opened fire on the en-
envy. AT Mechanicsville, the heaviest fighting
is said to have taken place on Watts farm, but
resulted magnifcently to US. All the nights be-
yond the Chickahominy are in our possession,
thus insuring the safe and speedy transportation
of troops and munitions to the other side.
From the late hour at which We write, it is
impossible to obtain particulars OF the sanguin-
airy engagement Of yesterday, but the facts
stated are substantially correct, while much
more was effected by the forces engaged than
the most sanguine could have expected or
predicted. The enemy were totally routed
whenever they made g stand-batteries, in
trenchments, feld-works, camps and arms were
with great rapidity, and our loss is
less than could have been imagined in all
likelihood. The engagement to-day viii prove g
one at all points, and let Us reverently
hope that The God Of battles will smile pTopi-
Iionsly upon our efforts, and crown our forces
a complete and glorious triumph over ma
ignant and relentless enemies.