The Memphis union appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1862-1862, 1862-07-10
GREAT BATTLE OF MONDAY
LAST.
BLOODY REPuLsr OF THE ENEMY.
Correspondence N. Y. World
OK BOARD TRANSPORT JAMES RIVER,


Tuesday Evening, July lst, 1862
Events have eliminated. More history has
been made. Physical nature demands rest,
but duty and the public demand facts. An
other terrible battle has been fought. Our
weary, worn, half famished troops, whose no
bleness has never known an equal have
again added to their fame by honoring their
Monday Morning.
Yesterday, while Porter was pushing for
the river, Heintzeiman and Summers corps
moved down the Williamsburg road toward
White Oak Swamp. The enemy Immediately
got up his columns and followed. He seemed
to spread himself out like fan, for before
noon he was foundto be advancing upon every
road leading from Richmond-the Williams
burg, the Charles City, the Central and the
New Market as well as from the direction Of
Bottoms Bridge.
Our Preparation
All the Indications were that the enemy
premeditated fight. Mischief was in his eve.
Every time his artillerists thought they saw
white topped wagon, bang would 90 the
angry cannon, and some poor teamster would
imagine his day Of judgment had come.
Ten: Helntzelman had charge of the column
by seniority, and made the dispositions for the
day, so as to efectually prevent any fanking
the approaches and give ample room for the
transportation to get out of the way, which
had been moved from White Oak Swamp. and
were being fastened toward james river with
an possible speed, and yet without contu-
sion.
The Position
Cur position in this battle was as follows
heys had taken possession of the road leading
rom rom WHITE Oak swamp to the river, and
smith was placed on it in his rear, so as to pre-
vent any movement on the right flank, at the
same time holding the road to Long Bridge.
Next on the left was Summers corps, of Rich
ardson's and Sedgwick's divisions. Connect
ing with Sumner on the left las you face Rich
mond) was Heintzelman's two divisions of Eve
proven heroes hearney and Hooker, Slocum
and Mccall in reserve. Though but little
Tune was given for preparation, yet our line,
though fully three miles long, was reformed
SO as to prevent the enemy from passing either
oil our Hanks by any of tie four roads by
which he advanced.
The Action.
have q mass of facts concerning the move.
ments, disposition and details of regiments
and brigades before me, but want of time, and
almost entire physical exhaustion will compel
me to make the details brief
Generally speaking the action was iii
fought, and adds fearfully to the list of cas-
ualties, now already swollen beyond belief by
the dreadful contests Of Wednesday, thursday
and Friday last
have the same magnificent action of our
troops to record the same self-sacrifcing de-
votion was exhibited; the same bravery and
unfinching valor in rank and file their
charges; their repulses; their losses and their
gains.
The Attack on Summer. -GL
The fight opened with artillery about two
o'clock. The firing was not very severe al
1TSt, and seemed divided about equally between
Sedgwiek and the wagon trains About threc
O'Clock an advance IN rec was made
against Sedgwicks anC lsons fronts
and the action bacame he sodv. The
enemy attacked this corp - .wo positions
right and left. Slocum's division was called t.
the assistance of the right and the action on
tins part OF the wing, though lasting from
hait-Iast three uatil nearly six o'clock, was
finally successful in every respect, the enemy
being eHeetually repulsed with enormous loss
Tale after tale has already been told of the
bravery shown by our men, 1t needs no fur
Their elaboration. Without single exception
this part of the battle was conducted both BY
troops and leaders, with all the valor that fest
and blood can summon.
Ahe AtLaek On Smith.
While Sumner was gallantly engaging tn,
enormous force in his front, demonstration
was made by force Of the enemy agains
smith tortltication on the extreme right, but
1t needed only dashing charge from the Yer
mont brigade to repulse and drive him discon
tinently back.
The Attack on HeintzeImaE.
But Heintzelman with his brave column,
had nv tho r.. ~
was sorely pressed all afternoon, and the en-
gagement here continued with great severity
until nearly dark. He fell back about half :
mile for better position, so that the lines dur
ing the latter part of the action presented the
shape of a curve from left 20 right.
1t was only the superior qualities of men
under the head of such veterans as Hooker an6
kearney, and the excellent field management
OF Heintzelman himself, which saved the day
on that part of the line. They were sorely
pressed time and again, and the same tactic.
winch have been the reliance of the enemy il
al It's previous principal battles, were brought
INTO requisition again on this occasion.
The rebel generals seem to De utterly re-
gardless of human life, if they can but achiey,
an advantage to repay the loss. Hence thew
PFecipitate Overwhelming numbers agains
some particular point of our lines, with tb,
the hope of capturing; it. and it is thus the,
have taken many of our guns that had bu
weak infantry support.
Hsintzelman Supported
The contest had been going on with unsur
passed vigor until six o'clock, when it becam
apparent that the enemy were pressing thi
brave General back. McCalls Penpsviyani
reserves were brought forward, and though
worn out by lack of food and rest vet the,
went in with commendabla alaeritv. Be-
alas, the gallant reservesI What terribl
havoc was made in your ranks! But shor
time elapsed before they were broken an,
pushed back, with their Division General an,
Brigadier General missing, and another sc
verely wounded. Hundreds of the men wer
left on the field. They had tried to do to
much and were now almost gene. Randall
battery was also lost here.
Help from Summer.
Sedgwicks division now came to the relic
and Hooker and Kearney rallied again for