The Portland daily press., 1862-07-26
COMMUNICATIONS.
GFrom our Regular Correspondent
Letter from the Field of Conflict---Con.
tinued.

HEADQUARTERS 7TH Me. Vols.
Camp near Harrison's Landing,
July IL, 1852.
1t must be remembered that in operations
covering such an extent of ground, and in con-
tinuous tattles of eight days, the part seen by
one person, or that borne by one division of
the army, bears but small proportion to the
whole.
On the march from Goldings, at dawn, Sun
day the 10th, we passed pile after pile of COM
missary stores that were slowly blazing, and
arriving at the Trent House, took position
aud waited for the enemy. He not making his
appearance, we resumed our march and reached
Savage Station in the afternoon. Here we
passed the extensive hospitals, filed with
wounded and sick, and saw heaps of ammuni-
ton and stores of all descriptions prepared for
the flames. The heat was intense, and the
dust flied the air.
Gen. Davidson and Col. Mason were both
prostrated by sun-stroke and carried to the
rear. The plain was crowded with marching
columns, and chaos seemed everywhere. At
length we were formed in the woods behind
mass, and it is said to have been the intention
of old Sumner to hurl the whole thirty thous-
and infantry there posted, upon the enemy as
soon as he had fairly debouched upon the
plain. This was known to many officers, and
they exulted in the prospect of an opportunity
te wipe out the disgrace of the retreat, and to
drive the triumphant columns of the enemy
back to their strongholds. They not coming
up, brigade after brigade was ordered to the
rear. At length our turn came.
As we had halted to rest, mile from Savage
Station, and as the men were supplying them
selves with bran new clothing from deserted
clothing depot, the ball opened and we heard
behind us the usual sounds of battle We
faced about and moved, in the darkening twi-
light, in solid column toward the scene of ac-
ton. Many stragglers fell in with us the men
reechoed the cheers of those already engaged,
as they pressed eagerly to the front, and l
heard the murmur, Gold steel, cold STEEL"
ran through the ranks. We arrived upon the
field just as the enemy made his closing effort,
but the fortunes of the day were already de-
cided. We took position, but the firing ceased.
Gen. Brooks came riding along, his wounded
leg bandaged, and ordered us to resume our
march. As we were moving away, the lights
of those seeking for their friends on the battle
field looked like will-o'-the-wisps in the dis
tance. Soon drenchng rain set in and still
we marched on in the intense darkness.
The head of our column was delayed. and
Sedgwick and Richardson passed. The road
was bad and narrow.
After several hours of drowsy tramping only
guided In our course by an occasional candle
at the roadside, we arrived at the bridge over
White Oak Swamp. Here was another delay;
but at dawn we marched over followed by
thousands of stragglers and the cavalry rear
guard.
During this nights march we had passed the
enemy In strong force not a mile and half
distant, and only the Incompatible stupidity of
one Of their generals, stupidity that see
has already received the censures of the Rich
mond press, saved us from humiliation. Now
short rest was vouchsafed us, and half the
regiments lay down in order of battle, while
the rest went on picket. Here we were deemed
safe from immediate pursuit, in the direction
of the Chckahominy. The artillery was
packed, the generals were occupying beauti-
full farm house near, and the tired soldiers
were stretched in sleep under every availible
shade, or now making their coffee or bathing
in brook just adjacent, when suddenly burst
from six field batteries the most appalling fire
any one on that field had ever been submitted
to. The rebels had discovered our whole pos
ition by means of deserter, got our range,
and poured an enilade fire of shot and shell
upon us, lasting over an hour.
The 25th N, Y. broke and ran in the widest
confusion; the other regiments threw them
selves fiat; the artillery was hurried of to the
rear, with the exception of one gun of Motifs,
which was dismounted, and four caissons that
were afterward blown up.
Gen. Smith, who was dressing at the time,
lost all his personal effects. Many horses and
men were disabled All could not but be af-
fected at the distress of the female inhabitants
OF the house, upon which the hottest fire was
directed, as their husbands and father were
killed before their eyes.
Hancock's and Brooks Brigades now went
to the rear at double quick: ours received