The Big blue union. [volume] (Marysville, Kan.) 1862-1866, 1862-05-17

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Wi'lian1(ars. sissAssa niavay between
the York and James rivers, ssa miles from
Yorktews, was taken pessssioo Of BY Me-
Clellan's forces sSbsra hard battle and
wslI-eafnsd vie ory. Nay sth. The mum.
Der Of The enemy secured - sprisoners was
over l-00e Below ass the details sf the
battle:
The battle before Williamsburg on
Mondsy was . most warmly contested en-
esgensnt Owing to the roughness Of the
country md bad condisisn- Of The roads,
but snail portion If our troops could bs
brought into actisn. Gen. Sickle's Ex-
eelsier brigade and Gen Hsoker's divis-
ion bore the brun, ofthe battle, and fought
most vaiian;ly throughout, though greatly
everps~ered BY numbers and the superior
position Of the earthworks Of the enemy.
TIE approaches to their earthworks were
. series Of ravines and swamps, white rain
fell in torrents throughout the day.
The men had also been lying on their
arms all the previous night, and we're
soaked With rais aud chilled with celd -
The battle ragged from early in The morn
ing until three in The afternoon, when Gen.
McClellan arrived With fresh troops. and
relieved the division Of Gen. Hooker, Who
we're nearly prostrated with fatigue and
eEposurs. whilst the Third Excelsior rsgi.
nens. Of Gen. siekles' brigade. had hs
ranks TERRIBLY thinned BY the batteries Of
he enemy. They are represented IS hav-
ing fosghs With ssch bravery, that not less
than sso hundred Of them were killed and
wounded.
Alter the arrival Of Gen. McC Clellan the
enemy were 6ercely charged BY General
Hancock's brigade, and were driven with.
in their works before nigh,fall with heavy
loss. Nearly 700 Of their dead were left
on the field, with as many wounded, tho
most Of the latter were carried into Viii.
liansburg, Our loss was less than 800
killed aud about 700 wounded. Night
having come on We occupied the battle field
the enrmy having been driven within his
works, aud our forces laid on their arms.
prepared 10 storm the works in the mssn.
ing. On Tuesday morning Gen. McCIel.
Ian sent out scouts, whilst preparing to
more on the euemy's works. who soon re-
ported that he had again taken fight dur
ing the night. The works of the eremy,
and the city Of Williamsburg were then
taken. Fort Magruder was most ex.en.
sive work capable Of = prolonged defense,
bit the enemy had abandoned it early in
the night, retreating in the greatest alarm
and confusion, as described by free ne.
gro woman who Was found in the town, and
large numbers of wagons and munitions
and a considerable store Of provisions
were found il the town, and the road was
s,rewn for many miles With arms and &C.
coutrements. A number Of deserters
made their escape sad came within our
lines, who stated they had received intel
ligence that large numbers Of Federal
troops were landing on York river above
Williamsburg to flank them.
The Second New Hampshire regiment
bad Is killed, 60 wounded, and % miss
ing.
The Colonel Of Second Michigan regi-
ment vas killed together with 13 Of his
men.
After the occupancy of Williamsburg
the rebels we're followed up ten or twelve
miles and drives. across Chickaheminy
river, and it is stated, across the James
river also.
On the following Wednesday . severe
6ght occurred on the York river at West
Poiat between 80 900 rebel troop. under
Gen. Lee and 10000 fedsrals Of Sedg-
wick and Frsuklin1 division. The reb.