Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1862-06-12
The Great Battle near Richmond
Brilliant Bayonet Charges.

Gus. Inc loss on DOtn Sues is neaFy.
The battle was opened by the enemy
making an attack on General Cascy's
division, encamped near Seven Pines OH
the turnpike leading over Bottom Bridge
and within seven miles of Richmond
The attack was made about l o'clock
on Saturday afternoon by Gen. Hills
division, composed of five rebel brig
ades, the troops being for the most part
from Virginia, South Carolina and Geor-
gia. The fight here was disastrous.
Gen. Cascy's division was forced to re-
tire before superior numbers, leaving all
their camp equipage and two batteries.
Col. Bailey, in endeavoring to save his
batteries, was killed.
Some of the troops in this division
from New York and Pennsylvania be-
haved very badly. Many of the officers
were killed and wounded in endeavoring
to rally their men.
Gen. Heintzleman, on ascertaining
the result, ordered forward a portion of
the divisions of General Kearney end
Hooker to regain the day. Gen. kear-
ncy's men, on being brought into ac-
tion, charged with the bayouet, driving
the rebels before them, and regaining
all the lost groupd-about half mile
when night coming on, operations
were brought to close.
Gen. Summers two divisions--Sedg-
wick's and Richardson 's-crossed the
Chickahominy about 8 o'clock on Sat-
urday afternoon, taking position on
Gen. Heintzleman's right. Here they
encountered Gems. Longstreets, Rains
and Hucer's divisions, the flower of the
rebel army. The fighting was despe-
rate, every foot of the ground being
hotly contested, but our soldiers were
too much for them.
The enemy would stand manfully at
distance of sixty yards and receive the
fire of our troops, but they were afraid
of the bayonet, and in every instance
that our men charged they were victo-
rious.
These two divisions did nobly, driv-
ing the rebels at every point until dark.
The enemy's loss here was very hea-
vy-many of them being killed by tile
bayonet.
Gen. Pettigrew. of South Carolina,
was taken prisoner, and we have 500
other prisoners, among whom are seve-
raj prominent officers.
On Sunday, as soon as it was day
light, the fight was renewed by Gen.
Sumner with marked success, lasting
nearly tho whole day. The rebels
were driven at every point with heavy
loss. The ground gained by Gen. Sum-
ner was about q miles. General
He:utzleman on Sunday morning retools
the ground lost the day before by Gen.
Casey.
Our loss in the two days engagement
in killed, wounded and missing will
amount to about 5000. A great num-
ber are missing, who will probably re-
turn. having strayed away.
All of the enemy's killed and wound
cd fell into our hands.
The country in which the battle was
fought is swampy with thick underbrush
Most of the fighting took place in the
woods Owing to the nature of the
ground very little artillery was used.
Both balloons were up nearly all day
on Sunday. All the troops marched
from Richmond in the direction of the
I battlefield. The railroad has been Of
inestimable service to us, the cars run
ming within a mile and half of the
battle field, bringing forward ammuni-
tion and supplies.
The wounded were Immediately put
on board the cars and sent to the White
House. Gen. Mcclellan arrived on the
battle field on Saturday evening, where
he has remained ever since, directing
all the movements in person. His pres
encc among the troops had great cf-
feet.
-Four separate charges with the ba-
yonet, were made during Sunday-in
one instance the enemy were driven a
mile, during which 173 of the rebels
were killed by the bayonet alone
Lieut.. Washington an aid to Gen. Joe
Johnston. was taken prisoner. The
enemy's dead alone, left on the field,
amount to 1,400. Gen. Howard was
wounded twice in the arm. Colonel
Miller of the S1st Pennsylvania, and
Col. RIPLEY, of Pittsburg, were killed.
| Col Camnbcli Of Pennsylvania was