The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1862-07-09

10 wings But fortunately, by skillful
secrecy column alter column was march
ed 70 the rear Franklin firsi, Sedgwick
next, then Richardson. and Hooker, and
lastly the knighiiy KeArney.
A mile bad been swiftly traversed
when these splendid columns quickly
turned at bay. The moment was most
thrilling, most trying 70 stoutest nerves.
The enemy, keen scented and waichlul
had discovered the reirogade, and quick
as thought were swarming through our
late impossible entang and came
yelling at our heels like insatiate savages.
Full soon our camps had saved countless
numbers, aud red battle began TO stamp
his foot Gallant Burns was first 20 feel
the shock. One Of his fayorito regiments
BAKERS Philadelphia Fire zouaves--.
had been assigned 70 support battery,
As the enemy advanced il opened holly
upon them but undismayed, they pressed
to the charge. Burns held firm his men
until the enemy seemed almost ready 70
plunge upon the guns. Then waving his
sword, he ordered his trusiy fellows 20
fire. A basketiul OF canister, fearful vol
lcys Of musketry, and all who were left
Of that slaughtered column Of rebels fed
bowling to the rear. Fresh masses
poured out and were sent surging back
again until finally they stood aloof con.
tent 70 watch and wait happier moment
to assail that desperate front Meantime
almost every yestige Of camp furniture
which had been lett in camp had been
examined by the enemy with disappoint-
ment and rage. We had destroyed all
we could not transport.
He INDUCES in melancholy reflections,
and writes:
Let us draw the veil 10 hide wounds
more agonizing than rude weapon ever
rent. Hundreds don't know how
many--were left upon the green sward
and in our too limited hospital, to wait
cold charities of bitter enemies.
BATTLE OF SAVAGE STATION.
Correspondence r the Cincinnati Commercial.
The enemy first attacked at Orchard
Station, near Fair Oaks, in the morning.
but were soon driven off. At about noon
they returned in heavy force from the
front Of Richmond, while strong colur,n
was thrown across Chickahominy, at Al
exander's bridge, near the railway cross.
ing. They first appeared ia the edge Of
the woods south of Trents, and opened
upon our column on the williamsburg
road, with shell. AT the same time they
trained a heavy gun upon our line from
the bridge they had just crossed They
still seemed deluded with the belief that
General Mcclellan intended to retreat 70
the Pamunkey, aud all day long they had
/ h. Al. =.
in front Of Richmond across New Bridge,
to strengthen jackson still more. Happy
delusion
Their first shells exploded around and
over the hospitals at Savage's Station, but
il is just TO say it was not Intentional.
They next opened upon a cluster of off,
GERS, including Sumner, Sedgwick, Rich
ardson, Burans, and their stats, missing
them, fortunately, but covering them with
dust. Our own batteries were now in
full clamor and both sides handled their
guns skillfully. The object of the enemy
seemed to be to break our right center,
and consequently Burns brigade was the
recipient of the principal share of their
favor. AS the afternoon wore away, the
combatants drew closer together and the
conflict became one of the sharpest of the
battles on Virginia soil. Two companies
Of one regiment stampeded. Gen Burns
flung himself across their track, waved
his bullet-shaltSred hat, expostulated,
exhorted, entreated, threatened, impre-
Gated, under a storm of lead, and az last.
throwing his hat, in agony Of despair,
upon the ground, begged them to rally
once more, and preserve them and him
from disgrace The last appeal touched
them The men wheeled with alaerity,
and fought like heroes until the carnage
ceased Each regiment distinguished
itself so conspiculOusly that in happier
times their names win be inscribed in
/ general orders. But there was such
number Of regiments and officers en- .
gagged that the record would make a vol
ume. Suffice that none but those ! ex-
peeted, and who redeemed themselves
subsequently, faltered 10 the fight.
Summers corps held the field till Heint-
zelman's corps had retired, aud then
moved quietly and swiftly back, under
cover of night and the forests, across
White Oak Bridge.
The correspondent Of the Commercial
thinks the Cohfederates were deceived
into the belief that the Pamunky and not
james river was the destination Of the
Federal army, But the retreat was sue
cessfully conducted, until once more the
battle ragged AZ
WHITE OAK SWAMI,
which he thus describes;
At about ten o'clock Gen. Mcclellan
! pushed 10 the river, communicating with
Commodore Rodgers, and bad the gum
boat feet posted 10 aid us against the
enemy. The case was desperate but il
was relief to reach the river where we
could turn at bay with our rear protected
by the James, and tanks partially COW
cred by ggnboats. Tidings, however,
had been received that the enemy was
pushing swiftly upon US in several col :
umns Of immense numbers, apparently
determined 70 crush us, or drive us into
the river that night They opened
/ hercely with shell upon Smiths division
at White Oak Bridge. After burning
down the house of good Secessionist
and breaking his leg, the enemy extend
ed his line of Ere and soon engaged our
entire rear guard, striking at Slocum, who
was guarding against. flank movement
designed iocut our column In twain.
Long before this our vanguard had de-
bouohed fSom the road into the field be-
fore Turkey Bend, aud our reserve artil-
lery was powerfully posted on Malvern
Hill, magnificent bluff covering Hard
ms Landing, were our gunboats were
cruising Here was a glorious prospect.
Though our gallant fellows were brayely
holding the fierce enemy at bay TO COW
] en- the swiftly escaping trains, il was
clear our troubles were not ended We
had again deceived the enemy bv poin0