Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-05-23

dered to retire across the bridges over the
Chickahominy at Gaines Mill. Followed
rapidly, as was expected, he formed juno.
tion with the other troops Of Porter's corps,
Morrel's division. aud that of the regulars
commanded by General Sykes. Porter's Of
fee, which required as much GOODNESS as Wig
or, was to make a stand in front of the
bridges SO as to give the army time to accom-
plish the general movement. He was not to
iepass them till the evening Of the 9th, and
he was then to destroy them behind him.
The attack on these three divisions began
early. Jackson's corps, coming from Han.
over Eeurt- Houae, look pan - tho 6ghfS
which took place on undulating ground. most
ly wooded, but with large open spaces at GER
tain points. The struggle was very severe !;
the Federals resisted with success there was
even time when Porter could consider him
self victorious. This would have been a
great advantage, and might have singularly
modified the position. Accordingly. at this
moment Of hope, Mcclellan hastened to send
to the left bank all the troops not absolutely
needed TO guard the lines in front Of Rich
mond One division, that of Slocum, passed
tho bridges before o'clock, and at once took
part in the action. Another, that IF Richard
son, did not reach the ground until nightfall
At the moment when these reinforcements be-
gan to take part in the engagement, the
scene, regarded as WHOLE was grand and
imposing We had thirty five thousend men
engaged, partly in the woods, partly in the
plain, forming line mile and half long.
Many cannon We're laundering on all sides.
In the valley of the Chickahominy, the Ian
GERS. with floating pennons, were stationed as
a reserve; and this animated picture of bat
tie was Set in q picturesque landscape. illu.
minated by the rays of the sun, which was
sinking below bloodred horizon.
Suddenly the firing becomes remarkably
severe. The reserve, which have hitherto
been kept lid in the hollows, are started up,
excited with hurrahs, and sent into the woods.
The fire of musketry becomes more and more
violent, and extends toward the left 1t is no
longer to be doubted that the enemy is max
iny last effort Oh that side. The reserves
are all engaged. 1t is six o'clock; the day
is rapidly passing away: if the Federal army
stands an hour longer, it has won the battle,
for everywhere else it has repulsed the enemy.
and the efforts OF jackson, Lee, Hill, and
Longstreet, whose troops are in front of it,,
VIII % Ill Will. 0cicr'i oitef PlaCeo uiiee
batteries en- potence on his extreme left to sup.
port the troops which there sustained an un-
equal contest lut these troops arc fatigued,
they have fought since morning, and their
cartridges are well-nigh exhausted. The con-
Erderate reserves have just arrived in tbcir
turn; they deploy into line and throw them
selves against the Fxderal left. which gives
way, breaks, and disbands, and whose dsor-
der extends more and more toward the center.
There is no panic the men do not run with
the dismay Of fear but. deaf to all appeals,
they move off deliberately, with their guns on
their shoulder, like men who have enough of
it, and do not think it possible to succeed.
(Conclusion ne9t ,reek.)